IAF personnel helps an aged flood victim getting onboard a C-17 Globemaster
Srinagar, 10 September 2014: A massive rescue and relief operations by the Indian Armed Forces is continuing on a war footing in Jammu and Kashmir with over 76,500 persons rescued so far by the Armed Forces and NDRF in different regions of the State.
79 transport aircraft and helicopters of Indian Air Force and Army Aviation Corp have been pressed into service. Army has deployed 329 columns of its personnel for rescue and relief operations, in which 244 columns deployed in Srinagar region and 85 columns in Jammu region. They have distributed 8,200 blankets and 650 tents. The Army also has distributed 1,50,000 litres of water, 2.6 tonne of biscuit, 7 tonne baby food and 28,000 food packets in the flood-affected areas. Additional water bottles are being airlifted from Chandigarh and Delhi. In an endeavor to provide speedy medical aid to the affected populace, 80 medical teams of the Armed Forces Medical Services have also swung into action. More relief materials including 2000 hospital bed sheets, blankets and tents, water bottles and cooked food are being airlifted today.
So far 613 sorties were undertaken by the helicopters and aircraft of Armed Forces and 715 tonnes of relief materials are dropped by the Indian Air Force.
135 Army bauts and 148 NDRF’s inflatable boats are actively involved in the rescue operation.
To restore the road connectivity, five task forces of Border Roads Organisation, which include 5700 personnel, have been pressed into service. As of now, they have restored the road connectivity between Batote – Kishtwar and Kishtwar – Sinthan Pass. Work between Sinthan Pass and Anantnag is in progress and Jammu to KM 172 is open for light vehicular traffic. Jammu – Poonch road has been cleared for traffic.
Fifteen engineering task force teams along with boats and other lifesaving equipment have already reached the flood affected areas to supplement the rescue operation. The situation is being continuously monitored and progress of the events are updated at the office of the HQ IDS in New Delhi.
Road Link Between Poonch and Rajouri Restored in J&K
In Jammu & Kashmir the flash flood washed away one part of Dorungli Bridge on 06 September 2014. The bridge was on Dorungli Nala, Poonch river, which connects Poonch to Rajouri by road passing through famous Nangli Sahib Gurudwara. The Indian Army swung into action and started the re-construction work 09 September 2014 after the weather cleared up. One Task Force of Army Engineers and troops from Poonch Brigade along with the Border Roads personnel made the bridge operational by the afternoon on same day itself.
This bridge is the only link from Poonch to Rajouri. After the breakdown of other bridge over Poonch River, the Shere-Kashmir bridge, the people of Poonch were completely cut off from rest of Jammu region.
Army Update on Mission Sahayata Rescue Operations Intensified
General Dalbir Singh, COAS took an overview of flood situation in Srinagar today and reiterated Army commitment to continue with relief operations till the last person is rescued. Troops continue to work around the clock to evacuate people in distress and provide relief.
239 Army columns are deployed in J&K along with 80 Medical Teams. Approx 58,000 persons have been rescued and 9,550 persons provided medical aid. In Srinagar, the Army has deployed additional 89 boat teams. So far, more than 9,500 persons have been rescued from Srinagar and 2,000 persons have been provided shelter in Badamibagh Cantonment. 355 persons requiring immediate medical attention have been evacuated by Army Aviation Helicopters till now.
In the effort to revive communication in the affected areas, the Army had already provided satellite phones to the civilian administration. Additional nine satellite phones and 100 Mob Cell Communication Sets were distributed to civilian officials for coordinating the relief effort. 10 STD booths are planned to be set up, 30 generator sets with mobile charging stations are being air lifted from Chandigarh to Srinagar, Aircel is being assisted to revive mobile services from tower at Barzula and satellite connectivity is being provided by airlifting the Base Transmitting Station of BSNL from Kargil to Srinagar.
