Marathwada Floods: Indian Army At Work; Aviation Helicopters Airlifting Civilians As Floodwaters Rise
These teams evacuated 65 adults and 37 children, rescued 45 civilians from isolated pockets. Image courtesy: X.com/@@IaSouthern
The Indian Army’s Southern Command has mounted an extensive humanitarian operation across the flood-hit Marathwada region, rescuing more than 170 people over the past five days. In Dharashiv district’s Lakhi village, one of the most dramatic rescues unfolded when 12 villagers were stranded on the roof of a fragile house surrounded by rapidly rising water.
Braving turbulent weather, Army aviation helicopters flew in and airlifted them to safety. In total, 27 people were evacuated by air from inundated zones during this high-risk mission, officials said.
Consequently, the Indian Army’s Southern Command on Thursday (September 25, 2025) informing that in a resolute overnight mission, 267 civilians were rescued and brought to safety. “Flood Relief Columns of HQ Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area under #SouthernCommand were swiftly launched in #Solapur, #Maharashtra, to assist flood-affected residents of Rahul Nagar,” it posted on X.
Beyond air operations, the Army backed up civilian efforts with ground rescue missions in multiple districts. Four flood relief columns, each comprising an engineering task force, medical team, and rescue equipment, were deployed across Dharashiv, Parbhani, Beed, and Solapur.
These teams evacuated 65 adults and 37 children, rescued 45 civilians from isolated pockets and distributed food packets to nearly 600 stranded residents.
Officials credited the swift response to seamless coordination between Army units and the civic administration.
“Our immediate focus was saving lives. Despite the adverse weather, operations were carried out with precision and urgency,” Times of India quoted a senior Army officer as saying. Joint efforts ensured that even residents in remote and cut-off villages were reached on time.
What triggered the crisis?
The relief missions come amid massive flooding caused by incessant rainfall and heavy discharge from the Jayakwadi, Majalgaon and Sindphana dams. Large parts of the Marathwada region have been submerged, with roads, fields and homes destroyed or cut off from access.
With forecasts warning of more rain, Army units remain on high alert and ready to expand operations if needed. For hundreds of residents rescued in recent days, the Army’s rapid intervention has meant survival in the face of an unfolding disaster.
