Over 5,000 civilians have been rescued and around 21 tonnes of relief material delivered to people affected by floods in Jammu, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, the Indian Army said on Monday.
The Western Command has been leading extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the flood-hit states. A total of 47 columns, including Army aviation and Indian Air Force helicopters, were deployed along with engineers, medical teams, and communication units to provide urgent help.
Major General Puneet Ahuja and Colonel Iqbal Singh Arora briefed the media at the Western Command headquarters in Chandimandir, Panchkula. Army operations began on August 16.
“Troops, engineers, medical detachments, and aviation assets were mobilised quickly to safeguard lives and restore essential services,” said Col Arora. He added that the flood relief columns were fully trained, equipped, and ready for relief missions.
"Aviation assets of both Indian Army Aviation and further supported by IAF ensured timely evacuation of stranded civilians and delivery of critical supplies," he said.
A 24-hour flood control monitoring cell has been set up at each headquarters to track water levels at major dams, including Bhakra Nangal and Ranjit Sagar, and other key points. Operations are being coordinated closely with civil authorities, NDRF, and SDRF.
"The integrated approach ensured optimal use of resources and timely assistance to the affected population, reflecting the nation's resilience and unity during the crisis," the officer said.
"A total of 47 columns have been mobilised, comprising personnel from engineers, medical detachments and communication teams, also in addition to the main rescue teams," he said.
“Twenty aircrafts, including Advanced Light Helicopters, reconnaissance and observation helicopters, Mi-17 and a Chinook were engaged in round-the-clock missions,” he said.
"More than 5,000 civilians and 300 paramilitary forces personnel have been rescued from inundated areas," he said.
Over 5,000 civilians and 300 paramilitary personnel have been rescued from flooded areas. About 21 tonnes of relief material, including food packets, medicines, and essentials, have been delivered on ground and by air to isolated locations.
Communication teams laid over 2 km of optical fibre on August 27 to restore mobile connectivity and ensure smooth coordination of relief work. Army engineers built a bailey bridge at Jammu Tawi within 12 hours on August 29, restoring a vital lifeline for the city.
Punjab has been suffering from massive floods caused by swollen rivers Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, along with smaller streams due to heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. The worst-hit districts include Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, and Amritsar.
Heavy rain and flash floods in Jammu & Kashmir have caused death and destruction, with over 130 people killed, more than 120 injured, and 33 still missing following cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods in Kishtwar, Kathua, Reasi, and Ramban since August 14. Record rainfall during August 26–27 caused further flash floods in low-lying areas of Jammu, damaging public and private infrastructure.
Himachal Pradesh has also been severely affected, with multiple flash floods, cloudbursts, and major landslides claiming several lives.
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