Bhutan thanks Indian Army: Helicopters deployed after flash floods; stranded workers airlifted to safety

NEW DELHI: The Royal Government of Bhutan has expressed gratitude to the Indian Army for its prompt response following sudden floods along the Amochu River in the early hours of Sunday."The Royal Government of Bhutan extends its heartfelt appreciation and deep gratitude to the Indian Army for their timely and life-saving assistance," the statement read. The floods affected several families living in temporary quarantine housing and at the Workforce Management Centre, leaving some residents stranded.Local rescue teams immediately evacuated all affected families. However, four workers, positioned at the far end of the riverbank, were initially trapped.

Early reports had suggested two of them were missing—one feared washed away and the other unaccounted for. Efforts to deploy a helicopter were delayed due to poor weather. The Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) contacted the Indian Army for urgent assistance, following which the Indian Army quickly sent two helicopters, which arrived at the site around 12:55 PM. The stranded workers were airlifted safely to the CST ground and then taken to hospital for medical care.

Later, it was confirmed that the two workers initially reported missing were found alive. As weather conditions improved, a Bhutanese helicopter was able to airlift one more individual who had earlier been believed to be washed away.