Archive · 16 Jan 2026
Indian Army as Backbone of Disaster Response
The Indian Army is often the first to help when big disasters like floods, landslides, or cyclones happen in India.
They have special teams and equipment to rescue people, provide medical help, and rebuild roads and bridges.
The Army has been doing this for many years and has become very good at it.
They help not just in India but also in nearby countries.
While the Army is great at this, some people think that the government should also make sure that regular emergency teams are strong enough so the Army can focus on its main job of defending the country.
The Indian Army is frequently called upon to assist in natural disasters and internal security crises due to its mobility, engineering prowess, and medical facilities.
The Army's role in disaster response has become more institutionalized over the past two decades, with enhanced HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) capabilities.
In 2025, the Army deployed 141 columns across 10 states, rescuing over 28,000 people and providing medical assistance to over 7,000.
The Army's response to the 2024 Wayanad landslide in Kerala involved rescuing nearly 1,000 people and constructing temporary bridges and footbridges.
Experts suggest that while the Army's disaster response capabilities are commendable, civilian emergency response capacities need to be strengthened to reduce reliance on the military.
- Who
- Indian Army
- What
- Disaster response and humanitarian aid
- When
- Various years, including 2023, 2024, and 2025
- Where
- Across India, including Kerala, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Assam
- Why
- To provide immediate relief and rescue during natural disasters and internal security crises
- Yearly Deployment
- Over 100 columns annually
- 2025 Deployments
- 141 columns in 10 states
- 2025 Rescues
- Over 28,000 people
- 2025 Medical Aid
- Over 7,000 people
- 2024 Deployments
- 83 teams in 14 states
- 2024 Rescues
- Over 30,000 civilians
- Wayanad Landslide
- Nearly 1,000 people rescued
- Uttarakhand Operation
- 2,223 sorties, 1,700 tons of supplies
