Face2News/Chandigarh
In the aftermath of incessant rains and rising water levels in Jammu, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, the Indian Army has launched extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations based on the requisition from the civil administration.
The operations were undertaken swiftly using all resources with the singular aim to carryout relief and rescue of the civil populace. All the actions were undertaken in close coordination with the local state administration. Swift and determined actions by Army Aviation and ground forces have brought much-needed relief to flood-affected families across Jammu, Mamun, Pathankot (Samba, Kachle, Sujanpur), Gurdaspur (Makaura Pattan, Adalatgarh), Amritsar and Ferozepur sectors.
A total of 28 Army columns, including medical teams and communication resources, have been activated to reinforce the relief effort. These columns are providing immediate ground support, evacuation assistance, restoration of connectivity and medical aid to displaced families.
Army Aviation assets have played a crucial role in rescue missions. Twelve helicopters – comprising three Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and nine Cheetah helicopters – executed challenging winching and hovering operations, rescuing numerous civilians stranded on rooftops and in inundated villages, reflecting the high precision and bravery of Army Aviators. In addition, boats and safety ropes are used to ferry stranded people to safer areas.
A total of 1,211 civilians have been evacuated to safety so far, which also include 11 Punjab Government officials stranded at Madhopur Barrage and 180 PMF personnel.
Relief material distribution has also been a priority. Nearly 2,300 kilograms of essential supplies including food, water, and medicines have been dropped or distributed in cut-off areas by Army helicopters and ground teams. Medical teams continue to provide on-the-spot aid to the injured and vulnerable.
The Indian Army’s HADR operations are being conducted round-the-clock in synergy with the state administration. The ongoing operations underscore the Army’s ethos of service and sacrifice, as soldiers, engineers, medics and aviators continue to work tirelessly to save lives and restore normalcy.