The Indian Air Force (IAF) has flown around 72 missions, rescued 253 stranded persons and dropped more than 200 tonnes of relief materials during its flood relief operations in Meghalaya and Assam.
The operations that began on June 21 is part of the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operation conducted in aid to the civil administration of the affected areas.
IAF has deployed C-130J Super Hercules, an-32 transport aircraft, Mi-17V5 helicopters, Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruv and Mi-17 helicopters to provide relief aid and supplies to the people stranded in these areas.
Operations are under progress in coordination with the civil administration.
In Meghalaya, the IAF has been on a war footing to deliver essentials in Maheskhola under South West Khasi Hills for the last four days.
Today, the IAF could access Siju and Mahadeo in South Garo Hills district to provide relief. The district has been severely affected by flood, especially along the Indo-Bangladesh border due to recent heavy rains.
Large areas remain cut off and there have been multiple landslides and areas including Maheskola and Siju remain without any road link.
Six bridges, including wooden and suspension bridges, have been washed away with electricity and the network heavily disrupted.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said such relief operation is being carried out for the first time in the history of the State.
“For the 1st time in the history of Meghalaya relief operations of this magnitude are being carried out in the State. Thanks to @IAF_MCC for assisting us in reaching out to our people in need, to inaccessible areas devastated by the recent rains & landslides,” he tweeted.
