Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 19: The Army today called off its ‘Operation Megh Rahat’ to rescue people stranded in flooded areas of Jammu and Kashmir, but its relief efforts will continue in the State.
Defence spokesman (MoD) Col SD Goswami said: “Operation Megh Rahat which continued for the past two weeks has been called off, while the relief and medical assistance will continue’’.
“Restoration of road network has also been largely achieved and efforts are continuing to improve the trafficability on damaged roads,” he said.
Col Goswami said the activities of the force under ‘Operation Sadbhavna’ will continue and the Northern Command would provide support in close synergy with the civil administration and the police.
The force had deployed around 30,000 troops, along with 84 helicopters and transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force, for rescue and relief operations.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had also actively participated in the operations providing help to the local people and rescuing them in their marooned houses.
Flood water has started receding but many of the Army’s own bases have been under water for the past two weeks.