ITANAGAR : The Department of Civil Aviation swiftly activated its emergency response mechanism on Wednesday following reports of flash floods in the Poosa area of Keyi Panyor district and coordinated air support for relief and rescue operations.

Acting on a requisition from Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner Shweta Nagarkoti Mehta, the department approached the Indian Air Force (IAF) through the Eastern Air Command, Shillong, seeking airlift support for transporting State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel and relief materials from Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) to Pitapool in the affected district.

Despite challenging weather conditions, the IAF air support team, under the guidance of Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and Air Headquarters officials, reached Hollongi and successfully undertook the mission to airlift and deploy SDRF personnel and essential materials to Pitapool for immediate response operations.

Officials informed that additional air support missions are being planned based on evolving requirements in the flood-affected areas.

The Department of Civil Aviation and Disaster Management Secretary Dani Salu expressed gratitude to the Indian Air Force, SDRF and Airports Authority of India officials at Hollongi for their prompt coordination and support in facilitating the emergency operation.

Appreciation was also extended to Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner Shweta Nagarkoti Mehta, the district police and Disaster Management team for ensuring effective ground coordination and support despite the challenging conditions.

Civil Aviation Secretary M. Riba said the coordinated effort enabled the timely mobilisation of rescue personnel and resources during a critical period for the affected region.