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7000 Army men working to help flood-hit people

By Staff reporter

GUWAHATI, July 2 � The Indian Army has deployed close to 7000 personnel in several districts of Assam to carry out rescue and relief operations, some times before formal requisitions were received from the civil administration.

It has mobilised infantry personnel as well as engineers and medical teams in the places hit hard by this year�s floods, after monitoring of the situation since May. The personnel have managed to work in trying circumstances and evacuated thousands of people to safer grounds although some have resisted leaving their settlements. This was revealed by Major General RN Nair, GOC of the Red Horns Division (Rangia) in a press conference held in the city today.

The personnel entrusted to carry out relief and rescue were working in all those areas which were earlier identified as vulnerable or prone to floods. Apart from rescuing the marooned people, they were distributing rations and safe drinking water.

The Army personnel faced uphill tasks at Sonitpur, which was badly affected by the floods and also in Barpeta. Even after requests being made, some people decided to stay in and around their settlements, the senior official informed.

Army personnel working in hazardous conditions were able to evacuate more than 7,000 people during the floods so far.

He mentioned the work rendered by the Army engineers and also the medical teams which provided much needed help to the flood-affected people. �We are prepared to carry on with our work, and we do not want any casualties,� Major General Nair remarked.

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