New Delhi: Jyaistha 28, 1935
Monday, June 18, 2013
As large parts of the nation reel under incessant rains & floods, leading to breakdown of communications, the Army has assumed the lead role in disaster management efforts. Over 5000 personnel of the Army are presently deployed in various areas of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, rendering invaluable aid to distraught people reeling under the fury of nature.
Govindghat, Uttarakhand. An Army column on Hemkund Sahib route has evacuated more than 4000 pilgrims across the broken bridge at Govindghat and constructed a foot track for their safe passage. Approximately 1800 pilgrims have further been moved from Govindghat to Joshimath. In addition medical facilities, refreshments and lodging facilities have been extended to over 1300 persons at Joshimath. Over 200 sets of blankets, sleeping bags, combat jackets and balaclavas have been provided to the evacuated pilgrims.
Joshimath, Uttarakhand. Another Army column has been employed for clearing a major landslide near Patal Ganga, in order to restore connectivity.
Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand. Due to road from Rudraprayag to Badasu getting blocked at Silchatti and Kund Chatti and the bridge at Rudraprayag being flooded, Badasu has been virtually cut off. One Army column has been inducted to Badasu, by helicopter at 0730 hours, on 18 Jun 13 and is presently undertaking relief and rescue work.
Road Narendranagar – Dharasu. The road is blocked at 10 locations due to landslides and washing away of bridges and culverts. An Army column has been deployed along the road for rescue and relief work.
Harsil, Uttarakhand. An Army column at Harsil constructed a log bridge near Harsil and evacuated 600 pilgrims. In addition, the column opened a medical relief camp at Harsil for stranded civilians and is providing food, water and shelter. Further, a foot track has been constructed and help provided for evacuation of 100 pilgrims stranded on Harsil-Gangotri axis.
Roorkee, Uttarakhand. An Army column has been deployed at village Raigarhi on Moradabad-Haridwar road to evacuate stranded civilians.
Mana, Uttarakhand. An Army column is currently assisting civilians stranded between Badrinath and Mana, and providing them with medical aid, food and refreshments.
Yamuna Nagar, Haryana. Two Army columns have been working around the clock and have so far rescued 103 persons including 37 children from villages Lapra, Udhri, Kalanaur, Jathlana and Gumthala near Yamunanagar.
Saharanpur, UP. One Army column undertook relief work and evacuation of civilians from affected areas around Saharanpur city. The column is now moving to Shamli for evacuating a marooned family.
Bijnor, UP. One Army column has been deployed at Village Rawali, near Bijnor, to evacuate 150 stranded civilians. Efforts to reach the stranded persons are in progress.
The Army is making all efforts to provide relief and succour to maximum people affected by the disaster. In addition, a number of columns have been kept stand-by at various locations by the Army authorities.