Indian Military

[PIB] Braving heavy odds posed by Nature in Leh, the Armed Forces continued relentless rescue and relief operations in this high altitude area for the third day today. In a bid to restore vital communication links, which were severed due to mudslide triggered by the cloud burst on Friday morning, one IL-76 aircraft of IAF transported BSNL equipment from New Delhi to Leh. Additional BSNL equipment were also airlifted by two AN-32 aircraft from Chandigarh. One heavy- duty bulldozer was airlifted from Chandigarh to Leh by an IL-76 aircraft to clear the debris.

Taking into account the requirements projected by the Jammu & Kashmir state government, medical items provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, relief material and 5,000 blankets were airlifted from Delhi. Two tons of relief material was also taken by an AN-32 aircraft from Udhampur. Bodies of 10 victims of the mudslide were brought by 2 AN-32 aircraft to Udhampur. One Cheetah helicopter placed at Leh was utilized for casualty evacuation of a Spanish citizen from Egu to Leh today.

29 Columns of Army personnel continue to be deployed for rescue and relief operations. 95 villagers of village Hanoyogma near Handen Brooke whose houses have been washed away, are being provided food and shelter by the nearby Army post.

S K/DM
1430 Hrs