Imphal: The 33rd battalion of the Assam Rifles has been awarded the prestigious World Congress on Disaster Management – Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDM-DRR) Award 2024 for its exemplary disaster response and relief efforts during the catastrophic Manipur floods caused by Cyclone Remal.
The award was presented at a ceremony held at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi, attended by dignitaries and senior officials.
Colonel Radha Krishna, Commandant of the 33rd Assam Rifles, received the accolade from Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal. The recognition highlights the battalion’s swift and effective actions during a humanitarian crisis that displaced thousands and claimed many lives across the state.
The floods, which struck Manipur between May and July 2024, submerged large areas, causing immense devastation. Responding to the crisis, the 33rd Assam Rifles mobilized 47 flood response units within an hour, launching extensive rescue and relief operations.
During Operation JAL RAHAT – I in May, the battalion rescued 2,065 individuals, providing critical healthcare through mobile medical units. In Operation JAL RAHAT – II in July, an additional 1,380 people were saved, with humanitarian aid and safe shelters provided to the displaced.
Among the battalion’s remarkable feats were the nighttime evacuation of 21 ICU patients from Raj Medicity hospital and the rescue of a 73-year-old paralytic man trapped in 13 feet of floodwaters in Nagampal. These acts of bravery underscored the Assam Rifles’ commitment to protecting lives under extreme conditions.
The WCDM-DRR Award celebrates the 33rd Assam Rifles’ dedication, professionalism, and crucial role in disaster management across India’s most challenging terrains. As Manipur rebuilds, the battalion remains a beacon of hope and resilience, embodying the spirit of humanitarian service in the face of adversity.
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