Beyond Defence: The Indian Army’s Role in Disaster Relief and Resilience

Pune, 16th November 2024: As India prepares to honor its soldiers on Army Day in 2025, it is time to reflect on an aspect of the Indian Army that goes beyond the battlefield: its role in disaster management and humanitarian relief. In an era where natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, the Indian Army has emerged as a pivotal force in responding to crises and supporting communities in distress.

This recent Flood relief operations spearheaded by Southern Command of Indian Army during the landslides in Wayanad, Kerala was a classic example underscoring the Army’s multifaceted role in safeguarding citizens during natural calamities.

In mid 2024, severe landslides in Wayanad wreaked havoc across the region, displacing communities, isolating villages, and leaving infrastructure in ruins. Southern Command mobilized swiftly, deploying personnel and resources for search and rescue operations. Equipped with their signature discipline, logistical prowess, and rapid deployment capabilities, Army units facilitated rescue operations in treacherous terrain, coordinated medical assistance, and provided essential relief supplies to affected communities.

A Legacy of Lifesaving Interventions
India’s geographical diversity, which includes seismic zones, floodplains, and cyclone-prone coasts, makes it one of the most disaster-prone nations in the world. Southern states like Kerala frequently bear the brunt of these natural disasters. The Indian Army’s presence in disaster management is deeply rooted in its ethos of service. From the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami to annual floods and cyclones, the Army has consistently been at the frontline, carrying out rescue missions, restoring infrastructure, and helping communities rebuild.

The Wayanad landslide response is a textbook example of the Army’s dedication and efficiency. Operating alongside the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local agencies, the Southern Command coordinated its efforts seamlessly, underscoring the importance of a united “whole-of-nation” approach to crisis response. Helicopters were deployed for aerial reconnaissance, ground troops navigated treacherous terrain to reach isolated communities, and medical assistance was made readily available. This level of preparedness, backed by regular training and inter-agency coordination, illustrates the Army’s pivotal role in India’s disaster response framework.

Embracing Technology in Disaster Management
Modern technology has transformed the way the Army approaches disaster management, especially in challenging terrains like Wayanad’s mountainous regions. Leveraging tools like drones for aerial mapping, GPS systems for precise navigation, and AI-based analytics for vulnerability assessment, the Army has brought its operations to a new level of accuracy and efficiency. During the Wayanad landslide response, these technological advancements enabled faster assessments and more targeted relief efforts, allowing the Army to optimize its response despite formidable obstacles. The integration of such technology demonstrates the Army’s commitment not just to react but to proactively protect communities.

Strengthening National and Global Resilience
India’s recent G20 presidency spotlighted disaster risk reduction as a priority for global cooperation, with the Indian Army playing a crucial role in this vision. The Army’s humanitarian work has bolstered India’s resilience and influenced global disaster response standards. A powerful example of this was the Indian Army’s swift response to the 2023 earthquake in Turkey, where it dispatched medical teams, engineers, and rescue personnel to support relief efforts and coordinated with Turkish authorities to set up medical camps, conduct search and rescue operations, and provide technical expertise in stabilizing damaged infrastructure. These efforts underscored the Army’s ability to operate efficiently in international crises, showcasing a commitment that transcends borders.

Through initiatives such as knowledge-sharing programs and collaborative training, the Indian Army has extended its disaster management expertise worldwide, promoting a model of preparedness that reaches far beyond India. This focus on resilience, both domestically and globally, reinforces India’s commitment to a safer, more cooperative world, highlighting the India Army as an indispensable force in humanitarian assistance on an international scale.

Recognizing the Army’s Role in Nation-Building
As Army Day approaches, it is fitting to honor the soldiers whose bravery transcends traditional definitions of defence. In times of crisis, the Indian Army has proven itself to be a force of compassion and resilience, safeguarding not only India’s borders but also the lives of its citizens. The Southern Command’s efforts in Wayanad are just one example of how the Indian Army embodies service, professionalism, and dedication in ways that profoundly impact communities.