Arunachal Pradesh: IAF deploys SDRF team to flood-affected Keyi Panyor amid adverse weather
Keyi Panyor, June 25
The Arunachal Pradesh government on Wednesday activated emergency air support and, in coordination with the Indian Air Force, launched rescue and relief operations in flood-hit Keyi Panyor district after flash floods struck the Poosa area, facilitating the rapid deployment of State Disaster Response Force personnel and equipment to affected locations.
According to the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Arunachal Pradesh, the state's Department of Civil Aviation was immediately activated after receiving information about flash floods in the Poosa area and was placed on readiness for rescue and relief operations.
Acting on a requisition from the Deputy Commissioner of Keyi Panyor district, the Department of Civil Aviation coordinated with the Eastern Air Command (EAC), Shillong, seeking air support for the evacuation and deployment of rescue personnel and materials.
The IAF subsequently launched an air support mission to airlift personnel and relief materials of the SDRF from Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) to Pitapool in Keyi Panyor district.
The officials said the IAF team, operating under the guidance of Colonel R. Malhotra of the Ministry of Defence and Group Captain Mukesh Chauhan of the Eastern Air Command, successfully reached Hollongi and proceeded to Pitapool despite challenging weather conditions.
The SDRF team and essential rescue materials were transported to the affected area to support ongoing relief efforts.
Authorities said additional air support operations have been planned to meet further requirements as rescue and relief activities continue in the district.
The Department of Civil Aviation and the Department of Disaster Management expressed gratitude to the Indian Air Force, SDRF personnel and APD Hollongi for ensuring the swift deployment of air support during the emergency.
The Officials also acknowledged the efforts of Keyi Panyor, Deputy Commissioner Shweta Nagar, Koto Mehta, the district police, and the Disaster Management team for providing ground support and coordinating operations despite difficult conditions on the ground.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see the civil aviation department and disaster management working in unison. But we need to ask: why no prior warning systems for flash floods in Poosa? Our villages are still vulnerable. Still, grateful for the IAF's rapid response. 🙏
Impressive coordination between state and central agencies. The IAF's ability to operate in adverse weather is commendable. This is exactly the kind of efficiency India needs across all disaster-prone regions. Hope the relief reaches the affected families soon.
While we praise the air support, let's not forget the ground staff - DC Shweta Nagar, district police, and disaster management team working in tough conditions. True heroes often go unmentioned. Also, climate change is making such floods more frequent - time for better infrastructure in Arunachal.
Very glad to see the Indian Air Force stepping in quickly. The Eastern Air Command's response shows how military assets can save lives in civilian emergencies. Let's hope additional air support planned reaches every affected area. 🇮🇳
A small query - why wasn't the NDRF deployed alongside SDRF for this operation? In severe flash floods, more hands are needed. Still, appreciate the IAF's courage to fly in bad weather. Stay safe, everyone in Keyi Panyor! 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.