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Module -VI
Armed Forces in Disaster Management
Armed Forces and its Role
The armed forces possess capabilities like airlift or the ability to carry large number of in Internal Security
men and material to any place across the country. Their expertise in the field of search
and rescue is unmatched. The armed forces can also bring in equipment for repairing
damaged roads or building makeshift bridges.

17.2.1 Examples of Disaster relief by Indian Armed Forces
Note
The Armed Forces are the first responders to calls of disaster management. During the
tsunami of 2004, Indian armed forces carried out one of the biggest peacetime relief
operations. The armed forces helped victims not only within India but in other countries
too, namely, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Indonesia. Using Naval ships, helicopters and aircraft
Indian Navy supplied food, safe drinking water, medical facilities sanitation and shelter.

They also quickly restored water and power supply. The medical teams helped prevent
epidemics and diseases.
• During Cyclone Wardha, Indian Navy moved supplies by ships to Chennai. Air
dropping of food packets to the affected and airlifting of stranded and injured
people was also undertaken.
• The neighbouring country of Nepal was severely affected by earthquake in April
2015 and the Indian Army was among the first to dispatch relief material and
men to help the mountain nation tackle with the aftermath of the natural calamity.
Operation Maitri was launched by Indian Army where large transport aircrafts,
Mi 17 helicopters evacuated Indian and foreign citizens. Indian Air Force airlifted
medical personnel, engineering teams, water, food, blankets and tents.
• In November-December 2017, Cyclone Ockhi which ravaged the coast of
Kanyakumari as well as Kerala and Lakshadweep also saw the Indian Armed
Forces responding. The Indian Navy transported four tonnes of food, water,
blankets, raincoats and mosquito nets to the island of Lakshadweep. This
included searching for missing fishermen and transporting relief supplies to the
affected.

Even in the case of manmade disasters the armed forces have performed vital
assistance. The accidental oil spill caused by tanker ships can be tackled by Armed
Forces as they are trained and possess specialised equipment.

17.3 National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

India has an organisation called National Disaster Management Authority for managing
disasters. They have response teams in every state as well as in the Centre. The
response teams at the centre are called National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF). At
the state level it is called State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF). The response teams are
trained by armed forces.

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