Key Points

The Indian Air Force executed a major humanitarian mission across two states affected by severe weather. Their Western Air Command airdropped nearly 6 tonnes of food supplies to families trapped by landslides in Udhampur. Simultaneously, they rescued 540 people in Himachal Pradesh during an intense 17-hour operation using multiple helicopters. This effort comes as Jammu and Kashmir faces over 170 weather-related fatalities with critical infrastructure severely damaged.

Key Points: IAF Rescues 540 People in Himachal Airdrops Aid Udhampur

  • IAF airdropped 5.9 tonnes of food supplies in Udhampur landslide areas
  • Rescued 540 people in Himachal Pradesh during 17-hour operation
  • 4 helicopters and 35 crew members worked day and night
  • Srinagar-Jammu National Highway blocked near Udhampur stranding vehicles
  • Over 170 fatalities in Jammu Kashmir from weather incidents
  • Military and disaster response forces launched massive relief operations
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IAF conducts airdrop mission in J&K's Udhampur; rescues 540 people in Himachal

Indian Air Force conducts massive rescue mission saving 540 lives in Himachal Pradesh and airdropping 5.9 tonnes of food supplies in landslide-hit Udhampur region.

"Hundreds of families trapped by relentless landslides found hope from above - Western Air Command, IAF"

New Delhi, Sep 6

Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a major humanitarian operation in landslide-affected regions of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Himachal Pradesh, providing life-saving aid and rescuing hundreds stranded by relentless rains and floods.

New Delhi, Sep 6 (IANS) Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a major humanitarian operation in landslide-affected regions of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Himachal Pradesh, providing life-saving aid and rescuing hundreds stranded by relentless rains and floods. “In landslide-affected region of Udhampur, @IAF_MCC carried out a daring mission airdropping 5.9 tonnes of life-saving food supplies. Hundreds of families trapped by relentless landslides found hope from above.

"Meanwhile, in Himachal swift and heroic operations saw 540 lives rescued and evacuated to safe areas in a remarkable 17-hour window. 4 helicopters and 35 crew worked day and night to make these missions a success. It demonstrates IAF's unwavering commitment to #HADR @DefencePROPalam,” Western Air Command, IAF posted on X.

Udhampur has been one of the worst-hit regions, grappling with the aftermath of heavy rains, flash floods, and massive landslides.

Key roads, including the strategic Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, remain blocked near Udhampur, leaving hundreds of vehicles, including trucks carrying essential supplies, stranded.

Authorities managed to partially open the highway on Sunday after a week-long closure.

Besides road connectivity, a massive landslide and land subsidence have damaged transmission towers, leading to severe power outages in the region.

In addition, a Government High School building, a vital bridge connecting Dudu Sub Division with Chenani and Latti, and three houses collapsed due to the landslides.

The Indian military, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have launched a massive relief operation in Jammu and Kashmir's landslide-affected areas due to heavy rains.

Over the past three weeks, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed more than 170 fatalities caused by landslides, cloudbursts, and other weather-related incidents. The IAF’s swift response has brought relief to hundreds of affected families and is proving critical in restoring hope in disaster-hit areas.

Officials have assured that relief operations will continue until connectivity is restored and stranded residents are safely rehabilitated.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Heartbreaking to see so many lives lost in these landslides. Thank God for our armed forces who are always there when we need them most. 🙏
A
Arjun K
While I appreciate the rescue efforts, we need better infrastructure planning in hilly areas. These disasters are becoming too frequent due to climate change and unchecked construction.
M
Meera T
540 people rescued in just 17 hours! That's incredible efficiency. Our IAF pilots are true heroes flying in such dangerous conditions. 🚁
S
Sarah B
The strategic importance of the Srinagar-Jammu highway can't be overstated. Hope the restoration work completes soon so essential supplies can reach people.
V
Vikram M
Airdropping 5.9 tonnes of food supplies is no small feat. These operations show why we need to invest more in our disaster response capabilities.

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