ITANAGAR : A joint Indian Air Force (IAF)-Civil Aviation air operation was carried out on Thursday to support ongoing relief and rescue efforts in flash flood-affected areas of Keyi Panyor district, particularly the Posa region which was severely impacted by the disaster on June 24.
As part of the continuing air support operations launched immediately after the flash floods, the IAF deployed helicopters to airlift additional State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel and rescue materials to the affected area. In a separate sortie, the mortal remains of Nirmala Gupta, who lost her life in the flash flood, were also airlifted.
The Department of Civil Aviation, with support from state-leased Sky One and Global Vectra Helicorp Limited (GVHL) helicopters, transported additional SDRF personnel, critically injured individuals and stranded tourists from the affected region.
Officials informed that three sorties were utilised to airlift trained and equipped SDRF teams to Keyi Panyor district to strengthen rescue and relief operations on the ground.
The combined mission, involving five sorties in total, also facilitated the evacuation of stranded persons from inaccessible locations.
Keyi Panyor MLA Toko Tatung, who had been closely monitoring the situation and coordinating rescue efforts on the ground, was among those airlifted to the disaster-hit area.
The Department of Civil Aviation expressed gratitude to the Indian Air Force, SDRF personnel, flight crews, Donyi Polo Airport authorities, Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), district administrations and police teams of Keyi Panyor, Lower Subansiri and Papum Pare, as well as the Fire and Emergency Services and Health Department, for their coordinated support in the operation.
According to officials, the mission was conducted under the close monitoring and guidance of the Chief Minister’s Office, the offices of the Civil Aviation Minister and Disaster Management Minister, the Chief Secretary’s Office and other concerned departments.
The Departments of Disaster Management and Civil Aviation jointly stated that favourable weather conditions and a brief window of clear skies enabled the successful execution of the air mission, significantly aiding ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of the disaster and support affected communities.
