New Delhi [India], October 5 (ANI): In a swift and coordinated humanitarian response, the Indian Army successfully carried out a high-risk rescue operation on Sunday, airlifting stranded civilians to safety from the Phuentsholing area in Bhutan, the Indian Army said in a press release.
Triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, incessant rainfall caused the Torsa River to swell, flooding large parts of West Bengal and Bhutan. Responding quickly to an emergency evacuation request on October 5, the Indian Army dispatched two helicopters from the Sevoke Road Aviation Base to carry out a critical rescue mission in Bhutan.
Braving adverse weather conditions and low visibility, Army Aviation pilots conducted aerial reconnaissance before landing in difficult terrain to evacuate stranded civilians. A senior military official said, “The Indian Army remains ever ready to assist civil authorities in times of crisis. This operation reflects our deep commitment to humanitarian values and the enduring friendship between India and Bhutan.”
Earlier in the day, Indian Army teams had already airlifted stranded workers to safety, ensuring they received immediate medical care. Three individuals were rescued and transported to the CST ground before being taken to hospital. The two previously reported missing workers were later found alive and safe. Furthermore, following an improvement in weather conditions, a Druk Air helicopter was able to rescue one of the individuals earlier reported washed away.
The Royal Government of Bhutan expressed deep gratitude to the Indian Army for its life-saving assistance and also commended the Royal Bhutan Army, Druk Air teams, and all local responders for their bravery and selfless efforts. Authorities in other dzongkhags continue to coordinate relief efforts in response to ongoing disasters.
Meanwhile, in North Bengal, authorities have been placed on high alert after Bhutan’s Tala Hydropower Dam began overflowing due to a technical failure. The National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), Bhutan, confirmed that the Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) reported a malfunction in the dam gates, causing water to spill over the structure. Bhutan has formally alerted the West Bengal government to prepare for potential downstream flooding in the Dooars region.
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