A massive rescue and relief operation by the Indian Armed Forces is on in the flood ravaged Jammu and Kashmir with more helicopters and rescue materials including boats pressed into service today. Armed Forces and NDRF so far rescued 42,587 persons in different regions of J&K. Army has deployed 215 columns of its personnel for rescue and relief operations, in which 130 columns has been deployed Srinagar region and 85 in Jammu region. They have distributed 7,200 blankets and 210 tents. The Army also distributed 42,000 litres of water, 600 kilograms of biscuits, Seven tonne baby food and 1000 food packets in the flood-affected areas. Additional water bottles are being airlifted from Chandigarh and Delhi.

In an endeavour to provide speedy medical aid to the affected populace, 80 medical teams of the Armed Forces Medical Services have also swung into action. According to Defence spokesperson SD Goswami, so far 354 sorties have been undertaken by the helicopters and aircraft of Indian Air Force and 459 tonnes of relief materials has been dropped by the Indian Air Force. Altogether 61 aircraft and helicopters have been pressed into action. BSNL with the assistance of the Armed Forces is trying hard to restore its mobile services through satellite network and the telecom network at the earliest. Besides, Air Force communication equipment and a team from private telecom company are being airlifted from Delhi.

Meanwhile, the PRO-Defence, Jammu, Lt Col Manish Mehta has said road connectivity to the flood affected Kashmir valley has been restored from the Leh region due to concerted efforts of the Indian Army Engineers and the Border Roads Organisation. It will be a major boost for the ongoing relief operations being undertaken by the Army in the Kashmir Valley.