Opinion | Soldiers first, but saviors always

The Indian Army’s response to natural disasters in Jammu and Kashmir transcends duty—it embodies service to the nation. From the rubble of 2005 to the floods of 2025, soldiers have risked their lives to protect civilians, fostering trust in a volatile region. As climate risks intensify, the Army’s role will only grow, reminding us that true strength lies in compassion and readiness. In the words of a senior officer during recent operations, “We are soldiers first, but saviors always.”

Jammu and Kashmir, nestled in the rugged Himalayan terrain in northern parts of country , is one of India’s most disaster-prone areas. The area’s seismic activity, heavy monsoons, glacial outbursts, and avalanches make it vulnerable to a range of natural calamities, from devastating earthquakes to flash floods and landslides.

Over the decades, the Indian Army has emerged as a cornerstone of disaster response in this sensitive border state, leveraging its permanent presence, logistical capabilities, and specialized training to save lives and restore normalcy.

With troops already deployed for security duties, the Army often acts as the first responder, bridging gaps in civilian infrastructure until full-scale relief arrives. This article explores the Army’s historical and recent roles, highlighting key operations, challenges, and its enduring commitment to humanitarian aid.

The Indian Army’s involvement in disaster relief in Jammu and Kashmir dates back decades, but it gained prominence during major events in the early 21st century. The UT’s geography—high-altitude passes, narrow valleys, and unpredictable weather—poses unique challenges, amplifying the need for military intervention.

The Army’s doctrine emphasizes “nation-building” alongside defense, and its disaster response is coordinated under the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) framework, though it frequently leads operations due to its proximity and resources.

A pivotal moment came with the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, a 7.6-magnitude tremor that struck on October 8, 2005, killing over 1,300 people in Indian-occupied Kashmir and injuring thousands more.

The epicenter was near Uri, close to the Line of Control (LoC), complicating relief efforts amid ongoing tensions with Pakistan. Despite the chaos, the Indian Army mobilized within hours, launching round-the-clock search and rescue operations.

Troops from the 15 Corps and other units used helicopters, earth-moving equipment, and manual labor to extricate survivors from collapsed buildings in Uri, Baramulla, and Kupwara districts.

The Army established over 100 relief camps, distributing food, medical supplies, tents, and blankets to more than 100,000 affected individuals. Medical teams set up field hospitals, treating injuries and preventing outbreaks of disease in the harsh autumn cold.

In a remarkable display of cross-border humanity, the Army facilitated the delivery of aid to affected areas on the Pakistani side, though India largely handled its own relief independently, rejecting some foreign offers to maintain sovereignty.

The operation, which lasted months, also involved rebuilding schools and roads, showcasing the Army’s transition from immediate rescue to long-term rehabilitation. International observers lauded the Army’s efficiency, with its response time—starting within 20 minutes in some areas—setting a benchmark for future disasters.

Building on this experience, the Army refined its protocols, integrating advanced communication systems and training with NDRF teams. This preparedness proved crucial in subsequent calamities, underscoring the military’s role not just as rescuers but as enablers of community resilience.

No event better illustrates the Indian Army’s disaster prowess than the 2014 Jammu and Kashmir floods, triggered by relentless monsoon rains from September 2 to 7, which caused the Jhelum River to overflow and submerge Srinagar and surrounding areas. Described as the worst flooding in over a century, it claimed over 500 lives, displaced hundreds of thousands, and caused billions in damage.

The crisis exposed vulnerabilities in civilian preparedness, but the Army’s Operation Megh Rahat became a lifeline. Deployed en masse starting September 2, over 30,000 troops from the Army, Air Force, Navy, and NDRF participated. The operation’s scale was unprecedented: 45 helicopters, 224 boats, and 148 NDRF boats were pressed into service for search, rescue, and evacuation.

In Srinagar alone, where water levels reached 10-15 feet, soldiers waded through chest-deep currents to pluck families from rooftops and second-story windows.

By September 10, the forces had rescued nearly 96,000 people, airlifting the most vulnerable, including the elderly, children, and pregnant women.Relief efforts extended beyond evacuation. The Army distributed 23,000 liters of water, 600 kg of biscuits, 4,000 blankets, and 90 tents in the initial days, while setting up 200 medical camps that treated over 50,000 patients. Engineers from the Corps of Engineers cleared debris and restored vital infrastructure, such as bridges and power lines. The Navy contributed with diving teams for underwater rescues, and the Air Force dropped food packets in inaccessible areas.

The Army’s response extends beyond mega-events. In August 2010, flash floods ravaged Leh in Ladakh, killing over 200 and destroying homes and monasteries. Leading the relief alongside the Jammu and Kashmir government and CRPF, the Army airlifted supplies to the high-altitude desert, where roads were washed away. Troops distributed food packets and potable water, established shelters, and even assisted in rebuilding infrastructure, demonstrating their versatility in extreme terrains.

Avalanches pose another perennial threat in J&K’s snowy heights. In 2016, a series of avalanches in the Gurez sector buried Army posts, but quick internal rescues minimized casualties. More recently, in 2020, the Army’s high-altitude warfare school trained locals in avalanche mitigation, blending relief with prevention.

These interventions reflect a pattern: the Army’s 15 Corps (Chinar Corps) in Srinagar and 16 Corps (White Knight Corps) in Jammu are perpetually on standby, using assets like the Chinook helicopters and GEM boats for rapid deployment.

As of September 2025, Jammu and Kashmir has again been battered by floods and landslides, exacerbated by climate change-induced heavy rains. In late August, flash floods along the Chenab River in Ramban district killed dozens on a pilgrimage route, prompting swift Army action.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh commended the troops for evacuating hundreds within hours, using boats and ropes to navigate swollen rivers.
By early September, the crisis escalated across Jammu, Rajouri, and Kishtwar, with over 5,000 people evacuated preemptively. The White Knight Corps deployed 23 columns, alongside NDRF teams and IAF helicopters, to rescue stranded pilgrims and villagers. In Rajouri’s mountain communities, the Chinar Corps distributed tents, food, and medical aid, aiding recovery amid reports of a 30% rise in regional vulnerabilities due to militancy and climate factors.
Operations like “Sindoor” and “Mahadev” in 2025 saved thousands, with the Army coordinating with local police and SDRF for joint dives and searches. A YouTube video from September 4 captured soldiers ferrying families through turbulent waters, symbolizing their unwavering role. These efforts continue as of September 17, 2025, with assessments in Kishtwar focusing on both security and disaster preparedness.

Responding to disasters in J&K is fraught with hurdles. The rugged terrain delays access, while security threats—terror activities along the LoC—divert resources. Coordination with civilian agencies can be uneven, as seen in 2014, and extreme weather hampers logistics.

Yet, the Army has adapted through joint exercises, technology like drones for surveillance, and community engagement programs. Lessons from past events have strengthened India’s Disaster Management Act, emphasizing military-civilian synergy.

(The author can be contacted at welfare166@gmail.com)