In a swift and coordinated response to severe flooding triggered by relentless rains, the Indian Army on Sunday successfully carried out a high-risk rescue operation, airlifting stranded civilians to safety from the Phuentsholing area of Bhutan, officials said in a press release.
Floods triggered by heavy rainfall
The flooding was caused by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, which led to incessant rainfall and the swelling of the Torsa River, inundating large areas across West Bengal and Bhutan. In response to an emergency evacuation request received on October 5, the Indian Army deployed two helicopters from the Sevoke Road Aviation Base to conduct the rescue mission.
Braving marginal weather conditions and poor visibility, Army Aviation pilots first conducted an aerial reconnaissance of the affected region before skillfully landing in difficult terrain to evacuate civilians stranded by the floods.
Successful air rescue operation
According to the Indian Army, the operation showcased exceptional coordination and flying skill under adverse conditions. “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,” a senior military official said.
The operation saw Indian Army helicopters successfully airlift three stranded individuals to the CST Ground, from where they were transferred to hospital for immediate medical attention. The Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management, Bhutan, confirmed that the rescued individuals received timely care.
In a heartening development, two previously missing workers were later found alive and safe. Following a slight improvement in weather conditions, a Druk Air helicopter also managed to take off from Paro and rescue another individual who had earlier been reported as washed away.
India-Bhutan cooperation praised
The Royal Government of Bhutan expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Army for its timely and life-saving assistance, and commended the Royal Bhutan Army and Druk Air teams for their courageous and coordinated response. “We also acknowledge the bravery of all local responders who risked their safety to protect others,” the Bhutanese government said in a statement.
The Indian Army noted that the successful mission reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, embodying its ethos of Service Before Self while further deepening the spirit of friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan.
Fears of downstream flooding in Bengal
Meanwhile, authorities in North Bengal have been placed on high alert after Bhutan’s Tala Hydropower Dam began overflowing due to a technical malfunction. According to the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), Bhutan, the Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) reported that the dam’s gates failed to open, causing river water to spill over the structure.
The Bhutanese government has formally alerted the West Bengal administration to prepare for possible downstream flooding in the Dooars region. Officials from both sides are maintaining close coordination to ensure timely responses to any developing emergency.
Regional response continues
Reports indicate that flooding and landslides have affected multiple dzongkhags (districts) across Bhutan. The Royal Government is coordinating with local authorities and disaster management teams to provide relief and ensure safety measures in affected areas.