Torrential Rains Wreak Havoc Across Himachal, Punjab, and Jammu
IAF and NHAI Rush to Rescue and Restore Amid Floods
New Delhi: Northern India is currently witnessing large-scale rescue and restoration operations as severe floods, cloudbursts, and flash floods have impacted Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu. Since August 27, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has conducted more than 55 sorties using Mi-17 and Chinook helicopters, rescuing a total of 215 individuals, including personnel from the Indian Army and the Border Security Force (BSF), from areas affected by flooding in Dera Baba Nanak, Pathankot, and Akhnoor. C-130 transport aircraft have been used to deploy specialised National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams into these affected zones. During the first three days of operations, 7,300 kilograms of essential relief material, including food, water, and other supplies, have been delivered to the affected populations. The air operations are being coordinated with the Indian Army, BSF, NDRF, and local administration to ensure timely evacuation and delivery of supplies.
In Himachal Pradesh, torrential rains and flash floods have caused extensive damage to the Kiratpur-Pandoh-Kullu-Manali corridor, a key route connecting the tourist town of Manali with the rest of the state. Along the Kullu-Manali section, ten locations were completely washed away, and five locations were partially damaged, resulting in the temporary severance of road access to Manali. The alternate route maintained by the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (HP PWD) has also sustained damage, and only light vehicles are able to use this road. The disruption has affected both local populations and tourist movement.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has mobilised field teams, regional officers from Shimla, and maintenance contractors to undertake temporary restoration works to restore connectivity as quickly as possible. An estimated ₹100 crore has been sanctioned for emergent works on the Kiratpur-Manali section, including temporary repair, slope stabilisation, and debris clearance. NHAI has also extended financial support to HP PWD to maintain the alternate route currently in use. Permanent restoration of the damaged locations will follow, and a detailed project report is being prepared. Various permanent solutions are under consideration, including the construction of tunnels, elevated structures, and slope stabilisation measures to ensure long-term durability and safety of the highway.
The efforts in Himachal Pradesh are part of a coordinated strategy to restore connectivity for both residents and commercial vehicles. The Kiratpur-Manali section is vital for transportation, and ensuring its restoration is critical for the movement of people, goods, and tourists in the region. Temporary measures have been implemented to reopen the highway to traffic where possible, while planning for permanent restoration continues.
Meanwhile, in Punjab and Jammu, flooding has affected several districts, rendering surface roads impassable in many areas. The Indian Air Force continues to prioritise evacuation and relief in these regions. Since the start of operations on August 27, 2025, more than 55 sorties of Mi-17 and Chinook helicopters have been flown, rescuing 215 people and delivering 7,300 kilograms of essential relief material. The C-130 transport aircraft has facilitated the rapid deployment of NDRF teams into flood-affected zones, supporting local administration in relief efforts. Evacuation and relief operations are ongoing, and air operations remain crucial due to high water levels and damaged roads.
The combined scale of the flooding crisis across Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu is evident in the verified numbers: in Himachal Pradesh, ten locations were completely washed away and five were partially damaged, with ₹100 crore sanctioned for temporary restoration; in Punjab and Jammu, 55+ helicopter sorties conducted, 215 people rescued, and 7,300 kilograms of essential relief material delivered. NHAI and IAF operations are ongoing, and additional resources and personnel are being deployed as needed to address evolving conditions and ensure safe evacuation and restoration of connectivity.
Authorities have confirmed that restoration and rescue efforts will continue until full connectivity is restored in Himachal Pradesh and all stranded populations in Punjab and Jammu have been assisted. Temporary restoration works in Himachal Pradesh are already underway, while planning for permanent solutions—including tunnels, elevated structures, and slope stabilisation—is in progress. Air operations and relief material delivery in Punjab and Jammu continue as per the requirements of affected districts, with inter-agency coordination between the IAF, NDRF, Indian Army, BSF, and local administration playing a critical role.
The situation remains dynamic, and monitoring of river levels, rainfall, and road conditions is ongoing. Authorities have emphasised that operations are being conducted around the clock to restore normalcy as quickly as possible. The scale of the operations reflects the extensive impact of extreme weather in the region and underscores the need for sustained disaster management and coordinated response.
– global bihari bureau
