Chandigarh, Aug 31 — The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army’s Western Command are continuing large-scale Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in flood-affected areas of Punjab and Jammu, ensuring timely evacuation, delivery of relief materials, and restoration of normalcy.
On Sunday, the IAF said it evacuated 11 civilians from inundated areas of Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts, delivered 2,150 kg of essential relief supplies, and retrieved the mortal remains of a missing employee from the Madhopur barrage, ensuring a dignified return. “These sustained efforts reflect the Indian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian values and its credo of service to the nation,” the IAF said in a statement.
Responding to the severe floods, the Army’s Western Command mobilised 47 columns, supported by Army Aviation assets, engineers, medical and communication teams, to carry out extensive rescue and relief efforts. Alongside, the IAF deployed 24 aircraft, including three Advanced Light Helicopters, 10 reconnaissance and observation helicopters, six Mi-17s, and a Chinook. These aerial platforms have been instrumental in both evacuating stranded civilians and supplying food, medicines, and other essentials to affected regions.
Lt General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, visited flood-hit forward areas of Jammu and Punjab to review the ongoing operations. He was briefed on the extensive rescue, relief, and rehabilitation measures undertaken in close coordination with the state administration, police, and civil authorities.
Expressing satisfaction over the swift deployment and preparedness of troops, the Army commander lauded their round-the-clock efforts in saving lives, providing medical care, restoring connectivity, and ensuring timely delivery of supplies. He also commended the dedication of police personnel, civil administration, and local authorities, appreciating the seamless synergy among all stakeholders in mitigating the crisis.
The Western Command reiterated its commitment to extend all possible assistance to the civil administration and local population. “The singular aim remains to mitigate the impact of floods and restore normalcy at the earliest,” the statement added.
