Cyclone Ditwah Devastates Sri Lanka, India Extends Crucial Humanitarian Aid
Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread devastation in Sri Lanka, leading to hundreds of deaths and displacements, with India providing significant rescue and relief support.
Photo by Sheila C
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Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread devastation in Sri Lanka
Over 334 people dead, 370 missing
Nearly 2 lakh people displaced
Malaiyaha Tamils in hill country districts were most affected
India provided crucial rescue and relief assistance
Indian Air Force undertook 'hybrid rescue mission'
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Cyclone Ditwah: Impact on Sri Lanka & India's HADR Response
This map illustrates the geographical context of Cyclone Ditwah's impact on Sri Lanka, particularly the affected hill country, and highlights India's role as a 'first responder' in providing humanitarian assistance. It underscores the regional vulnerability to natural disasters and the importance of bilateral cooperation.
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Exam Angles
Geography: Cyclone formation, disaster-prone regions, climate change impacts.
International Relations: India-Sri Lanka relations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, regional cooperation.
Social Issues: Vulnerability of ethnic minorities (Malaiyaha Tamils), displacement, rehabilitation.
Security: Role of Indian armed forces in HADR operations.
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Summary
Sri Lanka has been hit hard by Cyclone Ditwah, which brought torrential rainfall and triggered multiple landslides, particularly affecting the hill country districts where Malaiyaha Tamils reside. The disaster has resulted in at least 334 deaths and over 300 people missing, with nearly 2 lakh individuals displaced and housed in safety centers. The President of Sri Lanka has pledged extensive rebuilding efforts and support for victims' families.
In a display of regional solidarity, India has extended crucial humanitarian assistance, with the Indian Air Force conducting "hybrid rescue missions" and the Indian High Commission in Colombo aiding stranded Indians. This event underscores the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters and the importance of international cooperation in disaster response.
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Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding Cyclone Ditwah and tropical cyclones: 1. Cyclone Ditwah, which recently devastated Sri Lanka, originated in the Arabian Sea. 2. Tropical cyclones typically form over warm ocean waters with sea surface temperatures of at least 26.5°C and sufficient Coriolis force. 3. The naming of tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean region is done by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in collaboration with the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) panel, based on a pre-determined list. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. Cyclones affecting Sri Lanka, especially from the east, typically originate in the Bay of Bengal, not the Arabian Sea. Statement 2 is correct; warm sea surface temperature and Coriolis force are essential conditions for tropical cyclone formation. Statement 3 is correct; the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones is responsible for naming cyclones in the North Indian Ocean, using a list contributed by member countries.
2. With reference to the Malaiyaha Tamils in Sri Lanka, consider the following statements: 1. They are descendants of Tamil labourers brought from South India by the British to work in tea and coffee plantations. 2. Following Sri Lanka's independence, a significant number of Malaiyaha Tamils were granted automatic citizenship under the Ceylon Citizenship Act of 1948. 3. The Sirima-Shastri Pact of 1964 and the Sirima-Gandhi Pact of 1974 were crucial agreements addressing the statelessness of a section of Malaiyaha Tamils. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct. Malaiyaha Tamils (also known as Indian Tamils) are indeed descendants of labourers brought from India during the British colonial era. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Ceylon Citizenship Act of 1948, along with the Indian and Pakistani Residents (Citizenship) Act of 1949, effectively disenfranchised and rendered stateless a large number of Malaiyaha Tamils. Statement 3 is correct. These two pacts between India and Sri Lanka were significant attempts to resolve the issue of statelessness by agreeing to repatriate a certain number to India and grant Sri Lankan citizenship to others.
3. In the context of India's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations in its neighbourhood, consider the following statements: 1. India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy prioritizes strengthening ties with its immediate neighbours, including providing assistance during natural disasters. 2. The Indian Air Force's 'hybrid rescue missions' involve integrating various capabilities like search, rescue, medical aid, and relief material delivery, often adapting to complex operational environments. 3. The SAARC Disaster Management Centre (SDMC) and the BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate are key regional platforms for disaster risk reduction and cooperation in South Asia. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct. 'Neighbourhood First' is a cornerstone of India's foreign policy, emphasizing proactive engagement and assistance to its immediate neighbours. Statement 2 is correct. 'Hybrid rescue missions' in HADR context refer to the multi-faceted nature of operations, combining different assets (air, sea, land) and capabilities (search, rescue, medical, relief) to address diverse needs in complex disaster scenarios. Statement 3 is correct. Both SDMC and BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate are established regional mechanisms aimed at fostering cooperation in disaster management and climate-related issues among member states.