Relief columns deployed in landslide-hit Mandi in Himachal Pradesh: Army

The Indian Army has mobilised its columns across key locations in Himachal Pradesh to deliver relief material to remote villages cut off by the flood in the states Mandi districtHimachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the districts Thunag area to assess the relief operations and shared photos of his visit in a post on X on ThursdayA brigade commander of the army is in Mandi for an operational update and interaction with the forces columns A meeting with the chief minister and Mandis deputy commissioner is also planned he saidThe army has deployed relief columns across Mandi including in Thunag Bagsiad and Pandoh Its efforts are bolstered by the involvement of the State Disaster Response Force SDRF National Disaster Response Force NDRF and local authoritiesThe Indian Army remains committed to supporting the citizens of Himachal Pradesh during this crisis and continues to stand by the civil administration in this time of need the brigadier saidSince the onset of monsoon on June 20 Himachal Pradesh has received 30 per cent of excess rain and has suffered losses to the tune of Rs 740 crore as 31 flash floods 22 cloudbursts and 17 landslides claimed several lives and damaged buildings crop fields and forestsFifteen people died and five were injured while a search is on to trace the 27 people who went missing after 10 cloudbursts followed by flash floods and a landslide hit Mandi on the intervening night of June 30 and July 1At least 1184 houses suffered extensive damage while 780 livestock perished in the disasterThe army columns are striving to open vital routesA critical mule track from Bagsiad to Thunag was successfully cleared on July 6 enabling the delivery of essential supplies the officer saidAffected families in Thunag are being given medical assistance provisions of first aid and ration kitsIn partnership with civil administration the army has ensured delivery of relief material to remote villages cut off by the flood And aid has already reached Degi July 7 Rushad July 8 and Chapad July 9 the officer saidAll columns are in communication via mobile networks with limited coverage at some locations like Thunag Satellite communications including ISAT phone and other key communication systems have been provided to ensure uninterrupted operational connectivity the army saidIn response to a spell of heavy rain and urban flooding in the northeast India the Indian Army has launched extensive relief measures under Operation Jal Rahat 2 with deployment across Nagaland Assam and ManipurThese efforts are being led by Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles North or HQ IGAR N in collaboration with local authoritiesOn July 10 the Dimapur deputy commissioner formally requisitioned assistance from the Indian Army to provide immediate flood relief in Singrijan Colony one of the worsthit areas in Nagaland an official saidThe army swiftly responded with the deployment of an Engineer Task Force ETF team he saidWhile a verbal derequisition was received later in the day the army remains on standby with resources mobilised through the Flood Relief Control Centre at HQ IGAR N the official addedIn Upper Assam the Dhansiri River in Golaghat district has breached the danger level The army said although the water level is now receding the force continues to monitor the situation closelyIn Manipur the Nambol River flowing through Imphal West and Bishnupur districts has also surpassed danger levelsWhile the floodwater has begun to recede the army remains actively engaged in relief operations another official saidAs of July 10 the Indian Army has deployed 40 relief columns 24 main and 16 reserve across the region the person saidA total of 3820 people have since been rescued over 1360 food packets distributed medical aid provided to 2095 individuals and 15421 water bottles supplied to aid affected people the army official said