Air force conducts disaster relief operations in Sikkim
The Hindu
IAF HADR ops in Sikkim post flash flood. 33 bodies incl. 9 jawans recovered, 105 missing. 40 bodies fished out downstream in WB. IAF carrying Garud commandos, equip, fuel, meds, SAR equip via Chinook & MI 17 V5. EAC coordinating ops. Met Dept forecasts rain. 60,870 affected, 2,563 rescued.
The Indian Air Force has started humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations in Sikkim, devastated by a flash flood in Teesta river, a Defence official said on Monday, October 9, 2023.
Thirty-three bodies, including those of nine army jawans, have been recovered so far from slush and debris left behind by the flash flood that devastated Sikkim, while the search continued for more than 105 people who are still missing, officials in the Himalayan state said.
The Jalpaiguri district administration in adjoining northern West Bengal has said 40 bodies were fished out of the river downstream.
Officials warned that the figures reported by Sikkim and West Bengal may have some duplication even as both states were keeping each other informed of their respective rescue efforts.
"The IAF commenced its humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations from Air Force Station Bagdogra for the flood victims of Sikkim on the Air Force Day," the Defence official said.
The air force started carrying Garud commandos, communication equipment, fuel, medicines, search and rescue equipment by Chinook and MI 17 V5 helicopters to the state from Sunday, he said.
Stating that the Eastern Air Command is coordinating the humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) operations, the official said that the IAF is fully geared up to reach out to the victims of the flash floods that left the small Himalayan state in disarray.
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