The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken the lead in relief efforts after unseasonal heavy rainfall in the Dima Hasao region over the past few days resulted in landslides, damaged roads, railway bridges and water logging of railway lines.
The IAF was approached to undertake an immediate humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) mission to rescue passengers from stranded railway stations and airlift people from flood-affected regions.
The situation was reviewed and a large-scale HADR operation was launched on May 15, ensuring round the clock close coordination between the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indian Army.
The IAF flew more than 100 sorties in Antonov An-32 turboprop aeroplanes, and helicopters such as the HAL Dhruv ALHs, Mil Mi-17s and Boeing Chinooks.
Relief materials were airlifted from Guwahati and Jorhat to Silchar by An-32s. The supplies were thereafter airlifted by Mi-17s and Chinook helicopters initially to Haflong and in later days to villages affected by floods, namely Khepre, Hajadisha, Laisong, Harangajao and Hajaichak.
A total of 474 people were rescued from inhospitable areas and brought to safety while nearly 75 tonnes of relief supplies, including food items and diesel, were airlifted to far flung villages, providing much needed immediate relief to the people of Dima Hasao district.
Aerial reconnaissance of power lines by helicopter was also undertaken to help the state government quickly assess and restore power to affected areas.
