A U.S. C-130J Super Hercules on the flight line at Katunayake Air Base, Sri Lanka, as part of U.S. for Cyclone Ditwah relief operations in this undated photo. (U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka)
The U.S. sent military aircraft and personnel to Sri Lanka and pledged $2 million to assist recovery efforts after a devastating tropical cyclone hit the island nation last month.
Heavy rains from Cyclone Ditwah triggered flooding and mudslides Nov. 27 in Sri Lanka, displacing nearly 78,000 people, the Associated Press reported Nov. 30.
The death toll has since risen to 639, and 203 remain missing, according to a report Wednesday on the Sri Lanka Ministry of Defense’s website.
Two C-130J Super Hercules airlifters and an unspecified number of airmen with the 36th Contingency Response Group at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, arrived Sunday at Katunayake Air Base, according to the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka.
“U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is prepared to leverage its strategic airlift capabilities to support U.S. government disaster response efforts and deliver critical humanitarian assistance to affected communities,” an unsigned email from the group said Wednesday.
The aircraft will provide airlift and logistics support to the Sri Lankan military as it moves emergency relief supplies — including temporary shelter materials, water, food, sanitation and hygiene items — to areas affected by the cyclone, the embassy said in a news release Sunday.
U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, center, and Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Defense K.P. Aruna Jayasekara welcome U.S. Air Force airmen at Katunayake Air Base, Sri Lanka, Dec. 7, 2025. (U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka)
Airmen with the 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan, and Marines with the III Marine Expeditionary Force on Okinawa also will provide support, the release said.
Approximately 10 Marines from the III MEF command element and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing are working in Sri Lanka, III MEF spokesman 2nd Lt. James Selcke said by email Wednesday.
“The forward presence and rapid response posture of United States Indo-Pacific Command enabled immediate coordination and a swift delivery of assistance to affected regions, underscoring the U.S. commitment to Sri Lanka as a partner and friend during times of crisis,” he wrote.
“The United States is here to take on some heavy lifting — bringing American airlift and logistics muscle to push critical supplies into the hardest-hit areas so Sri Lanka’s frontline teams can stay focused on people, not transportation,” U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said in the release. “The United States stands steadfast with Sri Lanka in this challenging time, committed to supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts.”
The U.S. announced $2 million to support disaster response efforts within three days of Cyclone Ditwah’s landfall, according to the release. The funds will help provide emergency shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, and health services.
An additional $2.1 million in airlift supplies and equipment, including fuel trucks, forklifts, flood lights, ground power units and portable cargo-loading platforms, was also provided to Sri Lanka’s air force, according to the release.
