Jammu, Oct 5 (Representative) Stating that they are always restoring confidence of the people while evacuating them during disaster rescue operations, a senior Indian Air Force (IAF) official on Thursday said that they have faith in the force as they are always available to save them. “All I can say through your (media) medium is that people can trust us and we are available to save them from any natural calamity or disaster like situation,” Wing Commander Irfan Juriyal, who is also CO of Helicopter Unit of Jammu Air Force Station here told reporters during media interaction. Air-Officer-Commanding (AOC) of Air Force Station, Jammu, Air Commodore Sagar Singh Rawat flanked by senior IAF Officers was also present in the media interaction that was organised as a part of Disaster Relief Operation carried out during recent Himachal Pradesh flash floods by the Jammu based Helicopter Unit. Earlier, AOC Rawat welcomed the participants and greeted on the 91st anniversary of the Indian Air Force. Air Commodore Rawat on drone threats looming large along the western borders stated, “we are prepared for any eventuality and all measures are in place.” “Our platform is capable of carrying out surveillance and reconnaissance with efficiency,” said the AOC.
Wing Commander Juriyal further added, “yes we do face challenges during such situations when many people who are being evacuated feel hesitant and are not confident in extending a hand for help on seeing a huge machine (MI-17 Helicopter).” “But, our Garud Commandos play an important role in restoring the confidence of the trapped people to save their precious lives. People can trust us as we are always available to save them from any calamity during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations,” said the IAF officer. Sharing the details about the Himachal Pradesh HARD operations, the Wing Commander said that in Ex Pathankot, 1004 passengers were evacuated while three tons of relief material was carried and total numbers of sorties were 73 whereas in Mandi belt, six patients, 21 passengers were rescued and 35 tons of relief material was carried in 69 sorties during the operation.
The officer said that local administration was also a great help and with their coordination, the entire operation was successfully conducted, adding, “use of modern technology and equipment was made during the rescue and relief operation.” “The operation was challenging in view of the topography of the area but our teams including the Garud Commandos and trained crew were always on toes and evacuated them in a very professional manner,” he added. Wing Commander Juriyal said, “the operational team also had amazing coordination with the command system team while the technical and mechanical team like everyone else played a key role thoroughly and professionally to carry out the operation successfully.” Later the IAF displayed the Mi-17 helicopters in action at the technical airport with a brief description about the equipment used in the (HADR) operations.