Indian Army’s Tiger Division Races Against Time, Rescues 1000 in Northern Floods; Builds Critical Bridge in 12 Hours
JAMMU, August 29, 2025: In the wake of devastating floods triggered by heavy rains across Jammu, Samba, Kathua, and extending into the Punjab regions of Pathankot and Gurdaspur, the Indian Army has mounted a massive, multi-faceted rescue and relief operation, officials announced today.
Major General Mukesh Bhanwala, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Tiger Division, provided a detailed press briefing on the Army’s swift and comprehensive response to the calamity that has caused widespread damage to infrastructure and severely impacted the civilian population.Since the onset of the crisis on August 26, soldiers from the Rising Star Corps have been operating relentlessly, braving treacherous floodwaters and adverse weather conditions.
The Army immediately launched large-scale operations in close coordination with civil administration, deploying multiple rescue columns on the ground. These efforts were significantly augmented by the support of Army and Air Force helicopters, ensuring aid reached the most inaccessible areas.
Major General Bhanwala confirmed that the pro-active deployment of columns with full equipment has resulted in the successful rescue of nearly 1,000 stranded individuals. “Those rescued include vulnerable groups such as children, students, and also paramilitary personnel who were cut off by the rising waters,” the GOC stated.Beyond direct rescue, the Army’s role extended to restoring critical infrastructure.
In a crucial move, communication links to Jammu and Srinagar were re-established by Army engineers who swiftly laid alternative Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) lines. Concurrently, relief efforts on the ground have seen the distribution of essential medical aid, food, and other necessary supplies to countless affected families, providing a lifeline in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
A highlight of the engineering feat accomplished was the rapid response to the severe damage sustained by the eastern portion of Tawi Bridge No. 4, a vital lifeline for movement in and around Jammu. With conventional repairs expected to take a considerable amount of time, the Engineers of the Tiger Division undertook the herculean task of constructing a 110-foot Bailey bridge. Major General Bhanwala detailed the challenges faced, including washed-out approaches and extremely limited workspace. Overcoming these obstacles under demanding conditions, the engineers completed the entire bridge in less than 12 hours, successfully restoring vehicular movement and reconnecting severed communities.
Concluding the briefing, the GOC emphasized that all efforts were conducted in seamless coordination with the civil administration and all relevant agencies. “We thank all of them for their support,” he said, while also assuring that additional Army resources remain on standby to tackle any emerging challenges as the situation evolves.
The efforts of the Tiger Division underscore the Indian Army’s role as a first responder in national crises, adept at both saving lives and rebuilding critical infrastructure at a moment’s notice.