HT Correspondent
DIBRUGARH, June 8: The Indian Army has deployed drones for the first time ever in Arunachal Pradesh as part of its flood relief and rescue operations. This innovative approach was employed in the remote and disaster-affected Mawali Village in Dibang Valley, showcasing the Army’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the lives and well-being of the nation’s citizens during times of crisis.
The Indian Army has long been recognized as a steadfast pillar of support during natural disasters, consistently utilizing its vast expertise, resources, and cutting-edge technologies to bring relief, hope, and essential aid to communities struck by calamities. In this instance, relentless torrential rains had caused massive landslides throughout Dibang Valley, wreaking havoc by destroying homes, infrastructure, and agricultural lands vital for the livelihood of local residents.
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Among the hardest-hit areas is Athunli village, where the force of the landslides completely swept away sixteen homes, leaving families displaced and vulnerable. Meanwhile, nearby Mawali village found itself completely isolated, with all access routes blocked by landslides and severely damaged bridges, rendering traditional means of transportation impossible. Six residents—including three children, an elderly individual, and a woman—were stranded without access to essential supplies, compounding their dire situation.
Responding swiftly and decisively, the Indian Army launched a specialized relief operation aimed at delivering critical aid to these isolated villagers. A dedicated Army team successfully deployed drones to airdrop vital rations, medicines, and other necessary supplies directly to the stranded residents of Mawali Village. This innovative measure ensured that those cut off could sustain themselves until a team from the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) could reach the village as part of an ongoing rescue and relief mission.
In addition to aerial support, the Army also engineered a ropeway by laying a rope line across the river, facilitating continuous and secure supply runs as well as the evacuation of affected persons. This ropeway has proven invaluable in overcoming the logistical challenges posed by the treacherous terrain and damaged infrastructure.
This collaborative and multifaceted operation between the Indian Army and the District Administration has not only provided immediate relief but has also instilled renewed hope and resilience among the stranded families of Mawali Village, demonstrating the strength of coordinated efforts in disaster response and management.
