A SLAF Bell 212 helicopter successfully rescued three civilians who were stranded on the upper floor of a two-storey house in Mahawa (Ella) after severe flooding caused by the overflow of the Deduru Oya.

The rescue operation was carried out today (27 November 2025) by an aircrew from No. 4 Helicopter Squadron, SLAF Base Ratmalana. Despite challenging weather conditions and rising floodwaters, the SLAF aircrew swiftly responded to the emergency and safely airlifted all three individuals to a secure location.