Two Indian Navy helicopters rescued eight people trapped by floodwaters in Pannala on 29 November, as India’s aerial support to Sri Lanka’s disaster response continued to increase amid the ongoing emergency.
Authorities confirmed that four Indian helicopters are currently deployed for rescue missions across the country, including two aircraft operating from the Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant.
The helicopters carried out multiple sorties in the Pannala area, where rising waters had cut off access to several homes. The rescued individuals were brought to safer locations and handed over to local authorities.
Indian air assets are working alongside the Sri Lanka Air Force, Navy, Army, Police, and other first responders conducting evacuations, supply drops, and emergency assistance in flood-affected districts. (Newswire)
Indian helicopters have now joined rescue missions in Sri Lanka, supporting efforts to save people trapped by rising floodwaters.
Incredible work by the pilots and rescue teams on the ground and in the air. 🇮🇳🤝🇱🇰 pic.twitter.com/SqPkElpFcJ
— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) November 29, 2025