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Flood relief

Indian Army and IAF Spearhead Humanitarian Relief Efforts in Flood-Hit Border Districts

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Indian Army and IAF are at the forefront of large-scale humanitarian missions in flood-hit border districts of Punjab and parts of Jammu and Himachal Pradesh, marking a rare instance of collaborative efforts between the two nations. Despite recent tensions and hostilities, India has kept Pakistan informed of all relief flights and ground operations near the international border, following established protocols. This show of understanding comes as a surprise, given the enmity between the two nations. The Army and IAF have deployed 20 aircraft, including Advanced Light Helicopters, reconnaissance and observation helicopters, Mi-17s, and a Chinook, which have flown over 250 hours in round-the-clock missions, rescuing 5,000 civilians and 300 paramilitary personnel.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Indian Army and IAF are leading large-scale humanitarian missions in flood-hit border districts of Punjab and parts of Jammu and Himachal Pradesh.
  • The Indian Army has deployed 20 aircraft, including Advanced Light Helicopters, reconnaissance and observation helicopters, Mi-17s, and a Chinook, which have flown over 250 hours in round-the-clock missions.
  • More than 5,000 civilians and 300 paramilitary personnel have been rescued from inundated areas.
  • Around 21 tonnes of relief material, including food packets, medicines, and essential commodities, have been delivered.
  • On Aug 27, communication teams of the Army laid more than 2 km of optical fibre cable, restoring mobile connectivity and enabling smooth coordination of relief measures.
  • The Army Engineers successfully constructed a Bailey Bridge at Jammu Tawi within 12 hours, restoring a vital lifeline for the city.
  • Rescue operations commenced in Punjab, Jammu, and parts of Himachal Pradesh on Aug 1617, and troops, engineers, medical detachments, and aviation assets were mobilised at short notice.
  • A total of 47 columns were deployed across affected areas, with a flood control and water level monitoring cell functioning round-the-clock to monitor water levels.
  • The people of Punjab have been extremely cooperative and have even extended support to the troops during relief efforts.

Statistics:

  • 20 aircraft, including Advanced Light Helicopters, reconnaissance and observation helicopters, Mi-17s, and a Chinook, have been deployed.
  • Over 250 hours have been flown in round-the-clock missions by the deployed aircraft.
  • 5,000 civilians and 300 paramilitary personnel have been rescued from inundated areas.
  • 21 tonnes of relief material have been delivered.
  • Over 2 km of optical fibre cable has been laid, restoring mobile connectivity and enabling smooth coordination of relief measures.
  • A Bailey Bridge was constructed at Jammu Tawi within 12 hours, restoring a vital lifeline for the city.

Sources:

  • The Times of India
  • Western Command headquarters
  • Major General Puneet Ahuja, Major General Staff (Ops)
  • Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, Army Commander
  • Lt Gen Katiyar
  • Deputy commissioner Dalwinderjit Singh
  • Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO
  • Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak

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