Jammu: Major General Mukesh Bhanwala, General Officer Commanding (GoC) Tiger Division, on Friday stated that the Army has rescued nearly 1,000 people—including children, students, and paramilitary personnel—during extensive relief operations in the Jammu-Gurdaspur belt, conducted in close coordination with the civil administration.
“The recent heavy rains triggered severe floods across Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Pathankot, and Gurdaspur, causing widespread infrastructure damage and affecting residents. The Indian Army responded immediately, launching large-scale rescue and relief efforts in collaboration with the civil authorities,” Major General Bhanwala told reporters.
Supervising the operation, he said that since August 26, soldiers from the Rising Star Corps have braved raging floodwaters and adverse weather, carrying out multiple rescue missions supported by Army and Air Force helicopters.
“The Army deployed necessary units and equipment, rescuing nearly 1,000 stranded people while also restoring critical communication links between Jammu and Srinagar through rapid deployment of alternative optical fiber cable lines,” he added.
In addition to rescue efforts, the Army provided essential medical aid, food, and relief materials to affected families.
The floods also severely damaged the eastern portion of the 4th Tawi Bridge, a key transport link in Jammu. With repairs expected to take time, Tiger Division engineers quickly constructed a 110-foot Bailey bridge under challenging conditions, overcoming washed-out approaches and limited workspace. The bridge was completed in under 12 hours, restoring vehicular movement.
“The Army’s efforts have been closely coordinated with the civil administration and all supporting agencies. We remain ready with additional resources to address any emerging challenges,” he concluded.
