DRDO’s relief operations for victims of flash floods in Leh

NEW DELHI - As flash floods have caused devastation of gigantic scale in the Leh region of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is playing a significant role in the relief work.

The reinforcements are also being sent to strengthen the relief operations. These include three tons of processed food from DFRL, one thousand blankets, pre-fabricated plastic sheets for temporary accommodation adequate quantities of water purification tablets.

Four sets of satellite phones for effective communication between Leh and other places (DRDO labs) has been established for carrying out relief operations.

The welfare of Ladaki people as well as staff of DIHAR are being coordinated from DRDO Headquarters.

Indian Air Force is providing all necessary support for the airlift of DRDO team and material. The GOC, 14 core has been providing valuable support in relief operations carried out by DRDO.

On Monday (Aug.9), Defense Minister AK Antony reviewed the relief operations being carried out by DRDO along with Dr. VK Saraswat, SA to RM and Dr. W Selvamurthy, DS and CC R and D (LS) (who had just returned from the visit to flood affected areas of Leh).

On Friday (Aug.6), just after the information on flash floods causing extensive damage in Leh, reached DRDO HQrs, a team for providing relief work was formed by Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Scientific Advisor to Defense Minister A.K.Antony.

DIHAR (Defence Institute of High Altitude Research), the DRDO lab at Leh has also been severely affected by the flash floods, since it is located at a lower level as compared to the Leh city.

Next day, a nine-member DRDO team led by Dr. W. Selvamurthy, Distinguished Scientist and Chief Controller R and D (Life Sciences) reached Leh for providing relief and succor to the victims of nature’s fury. Relief material carried by the team included drinking water, water potability detection Kit, water purification tablets (Chlorine), food material (rice, atta, maida, pulses etc) and processed food from DFRL (Defence Food Research Laboratory, Mysore). Hundred sets of blankets, bed sheets and sweater were also taken.

The team also included doctors and nursing assistant from DRDO and carried essential medicines and medical stores.

Two psychologist counselors from DRDO were also part of the team. The relief facilities were provided to the affected staff of DIHAR as well as local people of Leh. (ANI)