In the mist-laden hills of Himachal Pradesh, where breathtaking landscapes have turned into scenes of devastation, the Indian Army has emerged as a vital support system for flood-affected villages grappling with nature’s fury.
Relentless rain and floods have battered Mandi district, severely impacting remote villages such as Thunag, Degi, Rushad and Chapad. With roads blocked, communication lines disrupted and entire communities cut off, the Army’s relief columns have become a lifeline for hundreds of stranded families.
Since July 6, Indian Army personnel have been working round the clock alongside the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities. Despite patchy mobile coverage in the hilly terrain, the soldiers have maintained close coordination with the civil administration to deliver urgent assistance where it is needed most.
Army medics have set up makeshift camps near damaged homes, providing essential medical care and distributing ration kits to affected families. Relief material has already reached isolated villages, with aid supplies delivered to Degi on July 7, Rushad on July 8 and Chapad on July 9.
To ensure continuous operational connectivity in areas where mobile signals are weak or unavailable, satellite communications through ISAT phones and other advanced systems have been deployed.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is expected to visit Thunag soon to review the ongoing relief work, while the Brigade Commander is in Mandi to oversee operations and coordinate further support. A meeting with the Chief Minister and Deputy Commissioner of Mandi is also planned to streamline response efforts.
-IANS