The Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated a rapid relief operation in flood-ravaged areas of Uttarakhand, responding to the devastating flash floods that have wreaked havoc and disrupted essential connectivity. This mission is designed to provide urgent assistance to stranded residents and bolster on-ground rescue efforts in the affected regions.
To facilitate the operation, the IAF has deployed its versatile ALH Dhruv helicopters, which are particularly suited for challenging mountainous terrain. These helicopters are conducting numerous sorties to airlift stranded individuals and deliver emergency supplies to remote locations, ensuring that timely aid reaches those in dire need.
In addition to the rotary-wing assets, the operation utilizes the newly inducted C-295 transport aircraft alongside the dependable An-32 fleet. These aircraft are capable of transporting significant quantities of relief materials, equipment, and personnel into the hard-hit zones. This strategic deployment of aerial platforms enables the IAF to effectively balance rapid response with the capacity to move heavier loads over greater distances.
Coordination efforts with state authorities, disaster response agencies, and the Indian Army are actively underway to ensure seamless operations. The primary focus of the IAF is on delivering essential commodities such as food, water, medicine, and shelter materials to communities that have been isolated due to landslides and blocked roads resulting from the floods.
This relief mission highlights the IAF’s dedication to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations nationwide. With the weather conditions remaining unpredictable, the Air Force has kept its assets on standby, prepared to expand operations as necessary to provide timely aid to the people of Uttarakhand during this critical crisis.
