AID TO CIVIL POWER BY THE INDIAN AIR FORCE FLOOD RELIEF OPERATIONS
IN BIHAR
As a result of
heavy rains in the catchment areas of Nepal, rivers of Bihar are
in spate and large tracts in the districts of Maduhbani, Sitamarhi,
Darbangha and Muzzarpur of Bihar have been inundated. As a result,
a large number of villagers were marooned due to floods. The ongoing
deluge has led to widespread destruction and loss of life and
property. On 23rd July 2002, Govt of the State of Bihar
approached Air HQ through the MoD for assistance. The Air HQ reacted
with alacrity and effectiveness and in a matter of hours, set
up a Flood Relief Operations Cell at Darbangha, under the aegis
of Central Air Command, Allahabad. Four Mi-8 helicopters from
AF Station Gorakhpur were pressed into service for the conduct
of flood relief operations in the affected districts of Maduhbani,
Sitamarhi, Darbangha and Muzzarpur. The four affected districts
were divided into four sectors for effective functioning and methodical
conduct of operations.
IAF, in close
liaison with the state administration, carried out a number of
sorties in the remotest corner of the affected areas thereby bringing
immediate succour to the marooned fellow countrymen. The situation
was brought under control by 28 July 02, when IAF flew a total
of 78 sorties involving 57:00 hrs of flying effort in which 140
tons of food packets were dropped by helicopters of the IAF.
On 30 Jul
02, yet another request was received from the Govt of the State
of Bihar for flood relief operations in Samastipur area. Once
again, four Mi-8 helicopters from AF station Gorakhpur were pressed
into service and deployed at Darbangha. The helicopters are being
used to rescue marooned villagers and drop essential supplies
in Samastipur District. Till date, 106 sorties involving 76:00
hrs airlifting 157 tons and 48 marooned villagers have been executed
by these helicopters.
In
addition, three sorties have been undertaken by IL-76 aircraft
of IAF to airlift 14 tons of food packets, eight boats and 170
personnel of the Indian Army, from Sarsawas and New Delhi to the
flood affected areas.
The massive
floods that have ravaged over five districts of Bihar have caused
widespread devastation, and the might of nature has pushed man
to his limits of survival. The IAF, true to its tradition, has
once again risen to the challenge and exhibited courage and determination
in performing a difficult task in the face of indomitable odds.
The missionary zeal, with which the IAF personnel are undertaking
rescue missions in praiseworthy and has once again reaffirmed
the faith of common people in the gallant traditions of the India
Air Force.
