Operation Rahat Flood Relief

The Indian Army, through its Western Command, is spearheading one of the largest HADR operations in India, known as Operation Rahat Flood Relief, following severe floods in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. These floods have disrupted lives, damaged infrastructure, and created immense humanitarian challenges.

Operation Rahat Flood Relief highlights the Army’s commitment to disaster management in India and its capability in handling large-scale crises.

Scale of Operation Rahat Flood Relief

In just two weeks, the Western Command Army has conducted over 82 HADR missions using 59 Army columns, including 17 Engineer Task Forces.

Key statistics of Operation Rahat Flood Relief include:

• People evacuated: Over 6,000, including 300 paramilitary personnel

• Medical aid provided: 13,000+ citizens

• Relief supplies delivered: 48 tons of essential items such as food, water, and medicines

The mission has also prioritized Army flood rescue operations in Jammu and Kashmir, remote villages, and border outposts to ensure no one is left stranded.

Key Relief Measures

1. Medical Assistance

• The Indian Army humanitarian assistance teams have treated over 13,000 people, with critical patients airlifted to safer locations using advanced aviation assets.

• This shows the Army’s efficiency in handling disaster relief by Western Command even under challenging conditions.

• Operation Rahat Flood Relief ensured timely medical intervention for the affected population.

2. Supply Delivery

• Relief materials, including medicines, water, and rations, have been transported by ground convoys or air-dropped using Army helicopters.

• The role of Army helicopters in Operation Rahat Flood Relief has been crucial in reaching stranded communities in flood-affected regions.

3. Evacuation Efforts

• Civilians from inundated villages and remote outposts have been safely relocated.

• This Army evacuation in Himachal Pradesh floods is a key highlight of Operation Rahat Flood Relief, showcasing operational precision and humanitarian commitment.

Aviation Assets in Operation Rahat Flood Relief

A powerful aviation fleet was deployed to support Operation Rahat Flood Relief, logging over 250 flight hours:

• 3 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs)

• 6 MI-17 helicopters

• 6 Cheetah helicopters

• 1 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter

These assets enabled the Indian Army flood relief teams to monitor flood-affected regions, rescue stranded people, and deliver essential supplies efficiently.

Engineering Works for Infrastructure Restoration

Engineer Task Forces have been working around the clock on:

• Diversion of floodwaters from vulnerable areas

• Repair of bridges and washed-out roads

• Strengthening embankments (bunds)

• Laying over 2 km of optical fiber cable to restore mobile connectivity in Jammu

The engineering works by the Indian Army in flood-hit areas under Operation Rahat Flood Relief are vital for both humanitarian and operational purposes, particularly for border outposts and isolated villages.

Coordination with Civil Agencies

Operation Rahat Flood Relief is executed in close collaboration with the civil administration, NDRF, and SDRF, ensuring maximum resource utilization. Additionally, a Flood Control and Water Level Monitoring Cell has been established at all command headquarters to track rising water levels at Bhakra Nangal Dam, Ranjit Sagar Dam, and other critical points.

This coordinated approach emphasizes the importance of Operation Rahat Flood Relief in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, reflecting a whole-of-nation effort.

Key Facts for SSC Aspirants

• Operation Name: Rahat (Western Command)

• Regions Covered: Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir

• People Evacuated: Over 6,000 (including 300 paramilitary personnel)

• Medical Aid Provided: 13,000+ citizens

• Relief Supplies Delivered: 48 tons

Additional points for exams:

• 82 HADR missions conducted by 59 Army columns

• Use of ALH, MI‑17, Cheetah, and Chinook helicopters

• Special priority to border outposts and connectivity restoration

FAQs: Operation Rahat Flood Relief

Q1. What is Operation Rahat Flood Relief?

A: It is a large-scale Indian Army flood relief operation under Western Command, providing humanitarian assistance, evacuation, and medical aid to flood-affected regions in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.

Q2. How many people were rescued in Operation Rahat Flood Relief?

A: Over 6,000 people, including 300 paramilitary personnel.

Q3. What role do Army helicopters play in Operation Rahat Flood Relief?

A: Helicopters like ALH, MI‑17, Cheetah, and Chinook are used for evacuating stranded people, delivering supplies, and monitoring flood-affected areas.

Q4. How is Operation Rahat Flood Relief coordinated with civil agencies?

A: The operation works closely with the NDRF, SDRF, and local administration, establishing monitoring cells and maximizing resource efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Operation Rahat Flood Relief highlights the Indian Army’s unparalleled capability in handling large-scale humanitarian crises. The swift evacuation of over 6,000 people, provision of medical aid to 13,000 citizens, and delivery of 48 tons of essential supplies reflect meticulous planning and execution. The use of advanced helicopters like ALH, MI-17, Cheetah, and Chinook ensured timely relief even in the most inaccessible areas.

The operation also demonstrates the importance of engineering works, including road restoration, embankment strengthening, and mobile connectivity recovery, which are crucial for both humanitarian and operational reasons.

Effective coordination with civil agencies, NDRF, and SDRF showcases a whole-of-nation approach in disaster management.