Latest news with #HumanitarianAssistanceandDisasterRelief
News18
2 days ago
- General
- News18
Uttarakhand: Army canines supporting HADR operations in Harsil and Dharali
New Delhi [India], August 9 (ANI): In the context of ongoing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in Harsil and Dharali, Uttarakhand, specialised canine units from the Indian Army have been deployed to enhance search efforts. This initiative is being implemented in collaboration with advanced technology, including Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Zevar radar, and reconnaissance radars, as indicated in the official six canines currently on the ground are Opna, 4 years old; Jansi, 3.5 years old; Sara, 4.5 years old; June, 7 years old; Rahi, 8 years old; and Hazel, 4 years canine works in cycles of 30-35 minutes followed by a 10-minute break, sustaining up to three hours of search at a stretch, after which they rest for 1.5 hours and are fed. These highly trained dogs can detect scents up to a depth of 15-18 to the release, the canine teams have been actively engaged in search operations for the past three days, significantly contributing to locating individuals and supporting overall rescue efforts in the challenging terrain. (ANI)
Mint
3 days ago
- Climate
- Mint
Nine Indian Army personnel among 50 missing two days after Uttarkashi flash floods
Two days after flash floods occurred in the Uttarkashi region of Uttarakhand, nearly 60 people, including nine army personnel, are still said to be missing, and 70 people have been rescued so far. The Indian Army said on Thursday its troops reached the worst-hit Dharali village within 15 minutes of the tragedy. It ramped up Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the Himalayan village and nearby Harsil. Seventy civilians have been rescued so far, and more than 50 are missing, the Army said in a statement. According to the district administration, 65 people who were stranded at different locations were airlifted to Matli town, 432 km from Dehradun, on Thursday. Officials said efforts were also stepped up to airlift advanced equipment to the worst-hit Dharali village to speed up the search for those trapped under the rubble. The region remains cut off due to multiple landslides and road blockages, including at Bartwari, Linchigad, near Harsil, Gangnani and Dharali. The Indian Army further said nine army personnel – one junior commissioned officer and eight jawans -- are also reported missing. Nine Army personnel and three civilians were evacuated to Dehradun by helicopter. Three critically injured civilians were shifted to AIIMS Rishikesh, and eight were admitted to the Uttarkashi district hospital, it added. The Army also said that civilian and military teams are working around the clock to rescue stranded people, provide relief and restore connectivity. Addressing a press conference, Lt Gen Navin Sachdeva, Chief of Staff, Central Command, said: 'As first responders, our infantry battalion at Harsil reacted under the commanding officer within 15 minutes of the incident. This was despite some of our personnel themselves being affected. Since then, additional columns have been deployed.' 'Our Special Forces from Agra in AN 32 and C 295 aircraft have been flown (in) and medical personnel with all required equipment and accessories have been moved,' he added.
India.com
4 days ago
- Climate
- India.com
Army Boosts Rescue Efforts In Flood-Hit Dharali, Uttarkashi
The Indian Army has launched a swift and coordinated Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation in the wake of a devastating cloudburst near Dharali, close to Harsil in Uttarakhand. The region is currently cut off from both north and south due to multiple road breaches and a collapsed bridge. According to the Indian Army, over 225 Army personnel including infantry and engineering teams are on ground for search, rescue, and relief tasks. Combat engineers have reached Dharali to aid in clearing debris and restoring mobility. As of 3 pm, 7 teams of the Indian Army are operating with Reeco Radar near Tekla while search and rescue dogs are deployed at Harsil; more are en route from Remount and Veterinary Centres. As per the Indian Army, military helipad at Harsil is operational. Three civil helicopters launched from Sahastradhara in coordination with SDRF have successfully landed at Bhatwari and Harsil for casualty evacuation and relief material delivery. Chinook, Mi-17, ALH helicopters are on standby at Jolly Grant, Chandigarh, and Sarsawa for troop and material airlift - awaiting tasking clearance. As of 3 pm, there are three confirmed fatalities while over 50 persons are reportedly missing (as per the Civil Administration). According to the statement, a total of 9 personnel are also missing, including one Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and 8 jawans. In a significant infrastructural damages, key road stretches near Bartwari, Linchigad, and Gangrani have been washed away, severely affecting movement. Civil helipad at Dharali remains non-functional due to a mudslide. The Indian Army remains committed to assisting local administration in rescue and relief efforts under challenging terrain and weather conditions. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that around 190 people have been rescued from the Dharali area, following a devastating cloudburst that triggered massive flash floods and landslides in the area. Chief Minister Dhami reaffirmed that both the Centre and the state government are fully committed to making arrangements for the victims of the incident, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also assured to provide all possible help. He stated that the disaster has hit the entire Dharali.
Hans India
10-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
Braving the storm: Indian Army brings hope to flood-hit Northeast under 'Operation Jal Rahat 2'
New Delhi: As relentless rains lashed the Northeast, swallowing homes and marooning thousands, the Indian Army has launched extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations under 'Operation Jal Rahat 2', with coordinated deployment across Nagaland, Assam, and Manipur. On 10 July, the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur formally requisitioned assistance from the Indian Army to provide immediate flood relief in Singrijan Colony, one of the worst-hit areas. The Army swiftly responded with the deployment of an Engineer Task Force (ETF) team. While a verbal de-requisition was received later in the day, the Army remains on standby with resources mobilised through the Flood Relief Control Centre at HQ IGAR (N). In Upper Assam, the Dhansiri River in Golaghat district has breached danger levels. Although water levels are now receding, the Indian Army continues to monitor the situation closely and is ready to intervene, should the need arise. In Manipur, the Nambol River flowing through Imphal West and Bishnupur districts has also surpassed danger levels. While floodwaters are beginning to recede, the Army remains actively engaged in relief operations in coordination with civil authorities. As of today, the Indian Army has deployed 40 Relief Columns (24 Main + 16 Reserve) across the region. Similarly, the Indian Army has rescued 3,820 people, distributed over 1,300 food packets, supplied more than 15,000 water bottles and over 2,000 individuals have received medical aid. For the Indian Army these are not merely statistics - the main mission lies in rescuing the flood affected countrymen and women and bringing smiles to their faces. The timely intervention by the Indian Army has proved to be a catalyst in saving the people whose lives have been impacted by these relentless rains, proving that the Army's role is not just limited to safeguarding the borders but also in rescuing citizens during any such crisis. Through timely intervention, rapid mobilisation, and seamless coordination with civil authorities, the Army continues to provide life-saving support and essential relief to the affected population across the Northeast.
United News of India
10-07-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
BIMSTEC report on humanitarian assistance in Bay of Bengal region launched
Dhaka/New Delhi, July 9 (UNI) In a significant step towards regional cooperation in disaster response and climate resilience, BIMSTEC in partnership with Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) and Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), launched a report titled 'Harmonising Humanitarian Assistance in the Bay of Bengal' at the BIMSTEC Secretariat here. The report builds on insights from the 'IPCS-BIMSTEC-HD Policy Implementation Workshop' held in October 2024 in Bangkok, which convened experts, policymakers, and practitioners from across the region to address growing challenges related to climate. The report underscores the urgent need to harmonise regional efforts in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) in the face of intensifying natural disasters. The event held yesterday was graced by Secretary General of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Indra Mani Pandey, and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Abdul Motaleb Sarker, said a press release. The Secretary General emphasised that 'The challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters in the Bay of Bengal region demand a collective response. As BIMSTEC continues to grow in relevance, we must focus on building disaster-resilient infrastructure and strengthening regional preparedness. The report makes a timely and important case for harmonising disaster response efforts- and rightly recognises BIMSTEC as the platform to lead that charge.' The Additional Secretary said that 'The report comes at a crucial moment. As climate-induced disasters intensify across the Bay of Bengal, our collective response must be swift, more coordinated, and grounded in shared systems. Harmonisation, as rightly emphasised in the report, is the key to unlocking more effective action. Bangladesh, as the current Chair of BIMSTEC, fully supports the call for greater alignment and stands committed to strengthening regional cooperation in disaster preparedness and response.' The report recommends the following areas for action by the BIMSTEC Disaster Management Centre: establish a research database through collaboration with specialist/technical organisations; establish a unified Regional Climate Disaster Mapping and Response Centre for the Bay of Bengal within the BDMC; enhance Bay of Bengal crisis communications through a platform housed in the BDMC; and Institute a cost-sharing and prepositioning programme for HA/DR equipment and supplies coordinated by the BDMC. The launch concluded with interactive and insightful discussions among the participants, reinforcing a shared commitment to building a resilient and responsive regional HA/DR ecosystem. Disaster Management is one of the sectors of BIMSTEC cooperation. The Expert Group on Disaster Management is currently engaged in finalising a Plan of Action to improve Preparedness and coordination for responding to natural disasters in the member States. A BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate has been set-up in Noida, India; it makes tailored weather and climate forecasts for the member States. Three rounds of BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise have been held. A BIMSTEC Disaster Management Centre is being proposed in India to anchor cooperation among the member States in disaster management. BIMSTEC grouping comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. UNI AAB RKM
