Indian Army Major Flood Relief Operations 2025

Following disastrous floods in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir in August 2025, the Indian Army, Western Command has led the way in mass Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. During one of the worst natural calamities of the season the Army responded with 82 relief operations that resulted in the evacuation of more than 6000 individuals and the provision of necessary supplies to isolated communities due to the rising waters.

Scope of Relief Operations

The total number of columns of Army forces sent to the troubled areas was 59 among them 17 Engineer Task Forces. Medical aid was given to more than 13,000 persons, including emergency evacuations of patients in critical conditions. The Army provided essential relief supplies like medicines, potable water, and 48 tons of rations by air and land. Helicopter support was equipped with Advanced Light helicopters, MI-17s, Cheetahs, and a Chinook that had more than 250 flying hours so that it could offer quick response.

Coordinated Response

The relief activities were carried out in a close coordination with the civil administrations and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF). This combined method enabled proper use of resources, evacuations and supply lines. The exercise demonstrated the presence of robust disaster management institutions in India and the capability of the Army to react on short notice in crisis situations.

Infrastructure restoration Flood monitoring.

Flood Control and Water Level Monitoring Cells were also created at Bhakra Nangal and Ranjit Sagar Dams to deal with the effects of floods. These 24/7 cells monitored water levels and organized field reactions. The engineers of the Army were also important as they channeled away flood waters and repaired embankments and re-established connectivity to isolated regions. A major milestone was the construction of a Bailey bridge across Jammu Tawi river in only 12 hours, which put the important lifeline back in the area.

Health and Community Care.

Medical teams established relief camps by administering first aid, vaccinations, and preventive care of water-borne diseases. Internet connections were re-established again by the laying of 2 km of optical fibre cable by the communication teams. There were also community kitchens to serve cooked food to stranded populations to make sure that everyone had basic sustenance.

A Model of Resilience

The quick and effective actions of the Army depict its importance during the humanitarian crisis. All this was done to not only alleviate immediate suffering, but also to strengthen the preparedness and resilience of the nation in addressing natural disasters.