IAF sorties in landslide-hit Arunachal areas

The Arunachal Pradesh government requisitioned the IAF helicopters to supply emergency rations from Seppa to areas where people were facing critical shortage of food supplies,an IAF communique from the Eastern Air Command here said.

Although the helicopters were in stand by from August 6,they could not take-off due to inclement weather.

The IAF helicopters from Eastern Air Command units in Tezpur,Guwahati,Kumbhigram and Mohanbari were activated and two Mi-17 helicopters were finally able to position at Seppa on August 11,and food supplies were air dropped at Chyangtajo,Bameng and Khanewa,the release said.

The relief operations are continuing in full swing,and around 5 tonnes of supplies have been airlifted to the affected areas till Friday.

Further sorties have also been planned and will continue till the critical situation in the affected areas was overcome. More helicopters would be pressed into service,it added.