Udhampur, September 7, 2025 – The Indian Air Force has airdropped 5.9 tonnes of food and essential relief materials in landslide-affected areas of Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, as part of ongoing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations. The operation, conducted in coordination with the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force , aims to support residents stranded due to disrupted connectivity caused by recent landslides. These efforts will continue until road connectivity is fully restored and affected residents are rehabilitated.
IAF’s Critical Role in Relief Efforts
The IAF deployed helicopters to deliver critical supplies, including food packets and essentials, to remote areas of Udhampur where landslides have severed road access. This operation follows a series of HADR missions across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, where the IAF has evacuated over 541 people and airlifted more than 10,000 kg of relief material in recent weeks. The airdrop in Udhampur underscores the IAF’s commitment to providing timely aid in challenging terrains, ensuring no resident is left without support.
Coordinated Response by Army, NDRF, and SDRF
The Indian Army has deployed 13 flood relief and rescue columns across the Jammu and Pathankot regions, working tirelessly to assist communities affected by natural disasters. These columns, in collaboration with the NDRF and SDRF, are conducting rescue operations, distributing supplies, and facilitating rehabilitation efforts. In Udhampur, teams are focused on clearing debris and restoring connectivity to isolated villages, with the Army’s aviation unit playing a key role in high-risk rescue missions.
LG Manoj Sinha’s Oversight
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who has been closely monitoring relief efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, commended the coordinated response of the IAF, Army, NDRF, and SDRF. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and rehabilitation of affected residents, directing agencies to prioritize restoring road links and providing medical and material support. LG Sinha also highlighted the integration of advanced technologies, such as drones and remote sensing, to assess damage and streamline relief operations, aligning with his vision of leveraging innovation for disaster management.
Ongoing Commitment to Rehabilitation
The combined efforts of the IAF, Army, NDRF, and SDRF aim to provide immediate relief while laying the groundwork for long-term rehabilitation. Authorities are working to restore critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges, to reconnect affected areas. Temporary shelters, medical camps, and food distribution centers have been set up to support displaced residents. The administration has assured that relief operations will continue unabated until normalcy is restored in Udhampur and surrounding regions.
Context of Recent HADR Operations
The Udhampur airdrop is part of broader HADR efforts in response to recent floods and landslides across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. The IAF has been instrumental in rescuing stranded civilians, including 9 marooned individuals in Punjab’s Dera Baba Nanak area, and delivering supplies in challenging conditions. The Army’s aviation unit also evacuated civilians and CRPF personnel from flood-hit areas in Punjab, showcasing exceptional coordination and bravery.
