IAF Initiates Humanitarian Aid in Sikkim After Devastating Flash Floods

IAF Initiates Humanitarian Aid in Sikkim After Devastating Flash Floods

VoM News Desk | October 9, 2023 | 02:10 PM IST | Breaking News, Security, Sikkim | Follow on Google News

IAF Initiates Humanitarian Aid in Sikkim After Devastating Flash Floods

IAF Initiates Humanitarian Aid in Sikkim After Devastating Flash Floods

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations in Sikkim following a devastating flash flood in the Teesta River, as confirmed by a Defence official on Monday. The catastrophe has left a trail of destruction, with 33 bodies recovered, including those of nine army personnel. Search efforts are ongoing for over 105 individuals who remain missing in the Himalayan state. In the adjacent Jalpaiguri district of northern West Bengal, 40 bodies have been retrieved from the river downstream.

Coordination Amid Duplication Concerns

Officials have expressed concerns about potential duplication in the figures reported by Sikkim and West Bengal as both states collaborate on their respective rescue endeavors. The IAF swiftly initiated its humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations from Air Force Station Bagdogra on the occasion of Air Force Day. This involved deploying Garud commandos, communication equipment, fuel, medicines, and search and rescue gear via Chinook and MI 17 V5 helicopters, starting on Sunday.

IAF’s Commitment to Aid and Rescue

The Eastern Air Command is overseeing the coordination of humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) operations, ensuring that the IAF is fully prepared to assist the flash flood victims in the beleaguered Himalayan state. As soon as weather conditions improve, helicopters will be on standby to transport stranded tourists and local residents to safer locations.

Weather Forecast and Recovery Efforts

The Meteorological Department has forecasted light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, in sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim over the next five days. In parallel, the Jalpaiguri district administration in West Bengal has reported the recovery of 40 bodies downstream of the Teesta River, with 10 of them already identified. As bodies continue to emerge from the slush and debris left behind by the Teesta River in both states, the exact toll will be ascertained in the coming days.

The flash flood, triggered by a cloudburst in the early hours of Wednesday, has affected 60,870 people. Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has reported the successful rescue of 2,563 individuals from various parts of the state, most of which have been isolated from the rest of the country due to the disaster.

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