Indian Army aids Bhutan in flood rescue as Amochu River overflows
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New Delhi: The Indian Army joined Bhutanese authorities in a swift rescue operation on Sunday after sudden flooding in the Amochu River left families and workers stranded in temporary housing and workforce camps.
The crisis began when the river’s water levels rose sharply, trapping several people in the Quarantine Housing and Workforce Management Centre. Bhutan’s Ministry of Home Affairs said two individuals were initially reported missing, one feared washed away and another unaccounted for.
Local authorities first sought help from Druk Air Helicopter Services, but poor weather prevented take-off. The Royal Bhutan Army then coordinated with the Indian Army, which quickly deployed two helicopters to the site.
Arriving around 12.55 p.m., the helicopters airlifted stranded workers and transported them to the CST ground, from where they were taken to hospital for medical treatment. In a relief, officials later confirmed that the two missing individuals were found alive and safe.
The Royal Government of Bhutan expressed “heartfelt appreciation and deep gratitude” to the Indian Army for its timely support, as well as to the Royal Bhutan Army and Druk Air teams for their role in the rescue.
The episode highlighted the close cooperation and enduring ties between India and Bhutan in times of crisis.