Face2News/Chandigarh
In response to the severe floods that have struck parts of Jammu and Punjab, the Western Command of the Indian Army has been conducting extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. A total of 47 columns including Army Aviation & IAF Helicopters based columns have been activated along with formation engineers, medical and communication resources to provide immediate relief.
Aviation assets and Indian Air Force platforms were extensively deployed with twenty aircraft, including three Advanced Light Helicopters, ten reconnaissance and observation helicopters, six Mi-17 and one Chinook, pressed into service to ensure evacuation and supply of essential relief material.
Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, Army Commander, Western Command, visited the forward areas affected by the recent floods in Jammu and Punjab to review the ongoing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. He was briefed on the extensive rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures being undertaken by Army troops in close coordination with state administration, police, and civil authorities.
The Army Commander expressed satisfaction over the high level of preparedness, swift deployment of columns, and round-the-clock efforts in evacuating stranded civilians, providing medical aid, essential supplies and restoring connectivity. He also complemented the dedication and complimented the good work done by all stakeholders including Police and Civil Administration Officials, appreciating the synergy displayed in mitigating the crisis.
Western Command remains committed to providing all possible assistance to civil administration and the local population, with the singular aim of mitigating the impact of floods and restoring normalcy at the earliest.