IAF Airlifts 123 From Flood-Hit Uttarakhand, Deploys Chinooks, Mi-17s For Relief Ops

Last Updated:August 08, 2025, 22:30 IST

Severe flash floods hit Uttarakhand's Harsil-Dharali valley. The Indian Air Force deployed helicopters, rescuing 123 civilians and delivering 4 tonnes of relief supplies.

IAF Airlifts 123 From Flood-Hit Uttarakhand, Deploys Chinooks, Mi-17s For Relief Ops. (X/@IAF_MCC)

As severe flash floods ravaged Uttarakhand’s Harsil‑Dharali valley, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has intensified its ongoing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in flood-affected regions of Uttarakhand, deploying multiple assets to aid stranded civilians and restore essential services.

The mission involved deploying Chinook, Mi-17 V5 and ALH helicopters, resulting in the successful rescue of 123 civilians and the delivery of 4 tonnes of essential relief supplies.

The coordinated airlift not only brought people to safety but also ensured the rapid deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to critical locations.

In a crucial step to re-establish communication in isolated regions, a specialised telecom unit was airlifted and deployed, swiftly restoring vital connectivity to the affected zones.

The IAF’s swift and efficient response highlights the vital role of the armed forces in national disaster management, especially in challenging terrains like Uttarakhand, where road access remains severely disrupted.

Uttarakhand has been witnessing heavy monsoon-triggered disruptions, especially in its higher-altitude regions, prompting large-scale evacuation and relief operations led by multiple agencies.

Two cloudbursts on August 5 — one in Dharali and the other near Sukhi Top close to Dharali — triggered widespread devastation, with Dharali being the worst affected.

A video of the tragedy showed massive destruction as the river came gushing down onto houses and hotels nearby.

Location :

Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), India, India

First Published:

August 08, 2025, 22:30 IST

News india IAF Airlifts 123 From Flood-Hit Uttarakhand, Deploys Chinooks, Mi-17s For Relief Ops

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