Pak-Army First to Arrive in Bangladesh For Relief in 1991 Cyclone Disaster

[Sliver]

why are we talking about that now?

 

[punit]

they were 21 year late !!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1970_Bhola_cyclone

 

[~Phoenix~]

they were 21 year late !!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1970_Bhola_cyclone

Could not agree any better! ^_^

 

[Signalian]

they were 21 year late !!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1970_Bhola_cyclone

Could not agree any better! ^_^

Monsoon of June 1970

June 1970 brought floods of unprecedented magnitude. With the arrival of monsoon it looked like the whole country between Ganges and Barhamputra was covered by vast sheet of water with cities and towns popping up like marooned islands. Rail and road traffic had come to a stand still and the only communication was by boats or air. The MI-8 Flight operated almost non-stop, during this period, providing logistic support, and evacuation of casualties and ferrying central and provincial VIPs for a view of the extent of the flood. President Yahya Khan and the Minister of Information Major General Nawabzada Sher Ali Khan utilized these choppers to take them to various flood stricken areas.

1970 Cyclone

On the morning of 14 th November 1970, Major Tirmizi and Major Bajwa conducted the first sortie to survey the affected coastal areas of East Pakistan hit by the big cyclone during night 12/13 November 1970, in Hatiya-Chittagong area, with the press reporters from several countries, who had landed in Dhaka the previous night. Brigadier Tirmizi narrates:-

"After the first reconnaissance flight, which was a frightening nightmare, one could hardly see any human or animal life in a ten miles wide coastal strip and three islands of Bhola, Hattiya and Sandip. One could only see thousands and thousands of bloated human and animal corpses floating in the sea and streams with some cement buildings still standing partially damaged. The remaining 90% of bamboo and thatched huts had been swept down to the sea. The civic facilities and communication network had been completely destroyed.

The only means of communication available were the two MI-8 helicopters, few Plant Protection fixed wing Beaver aircraft, naval and civilian boats. Speed of succour was the key to the survival of millions of people who somehow had escaped from this awesome tidal wave. Boats were too slow; Plant Protection aircraft had very little lift capacity and
could land only at Chittagong Airport. Hence the main burden fell on the aerial workhorse i.e. the MI-8s."

Aftermath of The Cyclone

Unprecedented calamity claimed two hundred thousand human lives and a greater number of animals, leaving rest of the population of the coastal areas with little food, shelter and potable water. The seawater and sewerage contaminated all the wells and ponds. There was grave danger of an epidemic.

The relief work was a big challenge for the administration. The early morning flight revealed bloated human bodies and animal carcasses strewn all over. These were particularly concentrated on the coastline after having been washed ashore. The press and the TV crew also got equally sick of the gory sight. The relief work started immediately.


Army Aviators Challenge

Helicopter number 624 was grounded on 15th November 1970, warranting replacement of transmission, which was being shipped from West Pakistan. However, the only MI-8 now available continued relentless dawn to dusk operations in the affected areas.

Everyone was aware of the gravity of the situation during the initial critical days that could spell death for all those not rescued, treated and fed. The areas most devastated were islands of Hatiya, Sandwip, Bhola, Patuakhali, Char, Alexander, Char Lai Mohan, Kukri Mukri, Char Jabbar, Majoridi, Manipur, Begum Ganj, Dhali, Char Laky, Char Ellahy and Char Fasoom.

The relief work continued from 14th November 1970 till end of February 1971.

Recalls Brigadier Tirmizi "Suffice to say the next month was the most tiring, trying and frightening flying experience of my 27 years stay in Army Aviation. We became flying robots devoid of physical and emotional feelings in the performance of rescue and logistic support missions. Taking off at sunrise from Dacca with food and medical supplies, we used to land at Noakhali football Ground after one hour's flight. Then endless flights to the stricken area and back to Noakhali for refuelling and some refreshments and then return flight to VSD Landing Pad by the sunset. We must have been logging approximately over eight hours of flying a day. With the passage of time the enormity of the disaster was known all over the globe.

By end of November the 2nd MI-8 also became operational. By beginning of December there was a fleet of 33 helicopters from different countries. A welcome addition was three MI-8s from Russia that arrived in the fourth week of December 1970."

Colonel Babar's heroic Efforts

Brigadier (Retired) Tirimzi has fond memories of Colonel Babar, SJ, who on arrival took over the relief operation, "Month
of Ramadan had set-in. He fasted while the crew did not. He would fly each day with us to the afflicted area, haggle and cajole with the civil administration and the stricken population, at time using his swagger stick to control the unruly mob trying to snatch the supplies and then return to Dacca with the last flight, while the crew members retired for meals and sleep, he and I had to be in civil secretariat by 2000 hours, to attend the Cyclone Coordination Meeting, presided by Major General Rao Farman Ali for allocation and distribution of the effort for the next day's operation. We seldom returned before midnight from the conference. I still recall one night-marish mission over Bay of Bengal with red fuel warning light on and Colonel Babar telling me not to worry about. Colonel Babar and flight safety were always the two worlds apart.
I landed at the beach with empty fuel tanks. The fuel had to be ferried in barrels from the Logistic Area to the beach, for refuelling my MI-8 Helicopter. With the arrival of helicopters from USA, UK, France and USSR, I requested Colonel Babar to slow down the tempo of MI-8 helicopter flying, in the interest of flight safety but to no avail. Over a month of non-stop dawn to dusk flying was manifest in the dark shadows under the crew eyes and in-elasticity creeping into our muscles."

It was interesting to note that during the relief work; the goods donated included ladies stockings, Italian fashion shoes, non-residue astronaut space food and toilet papers. The city market of Calcutta got flooded with most of the fancy stuff like tents, blankets and the shoes. Most of the medical aid was for upset stomachs, for incorrect use of donated foods, like making 'chappatis' out of powdered milk.

The locals would not bother to bury the dead. When the corpses started rotting the Army was deputed to start burying the bodies wherever found.

Major Ali Ahmad from Army Aviation, who belonged to the area and had arrived from the West Pakistan on compassionate grounds, was dropped in his village a week after the disaster. When asked why his folks would not bury their dead he was shocked at the question and explained "we never bury our dead with our own hands".

With the only limited hours for maintenance during the night time only. It was a big challenge for the maintenance personnel who did the most commendable job of maintaining these heavy workhorses after extensive flight operations under most difficult conditions in marshy areas. The choppers usually returned to base badly messed up with mud and slush from inside out.

A week after the cyclone the situation became less critical as the land and water routes were established and most of the channels of supply and distribution were well organised. Yet all the choppers that came for assistance were utilised round the clock.

President Visits Cyclone Hit Areas

President Yahya Khan visited East Pakistan during the last week of November 1970. The following day on 25th, Lieutenant Colonel Awan and Major Bajwa flew the President along with other high ranking Army and Naval officers on board to survey the cyclone affected areas to assess the relief work. Another MI-8 followed with the media personnel on board.

PIA's Hiller Helicopter Acquired

Considering the nature of the crisis due to cyclone the PIA's Hiller helicopter was also attached with the flight. Captain Bokhari of PIA transitioned Major Bokhari and Major Bajwa to "Hiller the Killer" on 20 th December 1970.

The helicopter became operational on 28 th December. Because of the availability of 36 helicopters by now, the Hiller did not get much flying. Captain Bokhari was however kept attached to the flight for over a month.

The Russian MI-8 Relief Flight

In the 4th week of December 1970, the Russians also responded by sending in three MI-8 helicopters that were flown in a giant transport plane. The Russian pilots Captain Nicolai, Captain Ardenov and Captain Igor, along with some co-pilots arrived with MI-8 Numbers R-41, R-42 and R-59, stayed on until early March 1971. The first flight was operated on 24 December 1970 and the last one on 28 th February 1971.



Epilogue

The Army Aviation contingent operated as a well-knit force with the rest of the aviation efforts, provided by the international community, for the cyclone relief operation. It was also utilized extensively during the December 1970's General elections.

 

[Michael Corleone]

That humanitarian effort was out of love for the bangla air force

Y'all know your brothers in arms in (Arab-Israeli&pak India war) very well!

 

[TopCat]

Monsoon of June 1970

June 1970 brought floods of unprecedented magnitude. With the arrival of monsoon it looked like the whole country between Ganges and Barhamputra was covered by vast sheet of water with cities and towns popping up like marooned islands. Rail and road traffic had come to a stand still and the only communication was by boats or air. The MI-8 Flight operated almost non-stop, during this period, providing logistic support, and evacuation of casualties and ferrying central and provincial VIPs for a view of the extent of the flood. President Yahya Khan and the Minister of Information Major General Nawabzada Sher Ali Khan utilized these choppers to take them to various flood stricken areas.

1970 Cyclone

On the morning of 14 th November 1970, Major Tirmizi and Major Bajwa conducted the first sortie to survey the affected coastal areas of East Pakistan hit by the big cyclone during night 12/13 November 1970, in Hatiya-Chittagong area, with the press reporters from several countries, who had landed in Dhaka the previous night. Brigadier Tirmizi narrates:-

"After the first reconnaissance flight, which was a frightening nightmare, one could hardly see any human or animal life in a ten miles wide coastal strip and three islands of Bhola, Hattiya and Sandip. One could only see thousands and thousands of bloated human and animal corpses floating in the sea and streams with some cement buildings still standing partially damaged. The remaining 90% of bamboo and thatched huts had been swept down to the sea. The civic facilities and communication network had been completely destroyed.

The only means of communication available were the two MI-8 helicopters, few Plant Protection fixed wing Beaver aircraft, naval and civilian boats. Speed of succour was the key to the survival of millions of people who somehow had escaped from this awesome tidal wave. Boats were too slow; Plant Protection aircraft had very little lift capacity and
could land only at Chittagong Airport. Hence the main burden fell on the aerial workhorse i.e. the MI-8s."

Aftermath of The Cyclone

Unprecedented calamity claimed two hundred thousand human lives and a greater number of animals, leaving rest of the population of the coastal areas with little food, shelter and potable water. The seawater and sewerage contaminated all the wells and ponds. There was grave danger of an epidemic.

The relief work was a big challenge for the administration. The early morning flight revealed bloated human bodies and animal carcasses strewn all over. These were particularly concentrated on the coastline after having been washed ashore. The press and the TV crew also got equally sick of the gory sight. The relief work started immediately.


Army Aviators Challenge

Helicopter number 624 was grounded on 15th November 1970, warranting replacement of transmission, which was being shipped from West Pakistan. However, the only MI-8 now available continued relentless dawn to dusk operations in the affected areas.

Everyone was aware of the gravity of the situation during the initial critical days that could spell death for all those not rescued, treated and fed. The areas most devastated were islands of Hatiya, Sandwip, Bhola, Patuakhali, Char, Alexander, Char Lai Mohan, Kukri Mukri, Char Jabbar, Majoridi, Manipur, Begum Ganj, Dhali, Char Laky, Char Ellahy and Char Fasoom.

The relief work continued from 14th November 1970 till end of February 1971.

Recalls Brigadier Tirmizi "Suffice to say the next month was the most tiring, trying and frightening flying experience of my 27 years stay in Army Aviation. We became flying robots devoid of physical and emotional feelings in the performance of rescue and logistic support missions. Taking off at sunrise from Dacca with food and medical supplies, we used to land at Noakhali football Ground after one hour's flight. Then endless flights to the stricken area and back to Noakhali for refuelling and some refreshments and then return flight to VSD Landing Pad by the sunset. We must have been logging approximately over eight hours of flying a day. With the passage of time the enormity of the disaster was known all over the globe.

By end of November the 2nd MI-8 also became operational. By beginning of December there was a fleet of 33 helicopters from different countries. A welcome addition was three MI-8s from Russia that arrived in the fourth week of December 1970."

Colonel Babar's heroic Efforts

Brigadier (Retired) Tirimzi has fond memories of Colonel Babar, SJ, who on arrival took over the relief operation, "Month
of Ramadan had set-in. He fasted while the crew did not. He would fly each day with us to the afflicted area, haggle and cajole with the civil administration and the stricken population, at time using his swagger stick to control the unruly mob trying to snatch the supplies and then return to Dacca with the last flight, while the crew members retired for meals and sleep, he and I had to be in civil secretariat by 2000 hours, to attend the Cyclone Coordination Meeting, presided by Major General Rao Farman Ali for allocation and distribution of the effort for the next day's operation. We seldom returned before midnight from the conference. I still recall one night-marish mission over Bay of Bengal with red fuel warning light on and Colonel Babar telling me not to worry about. Colonel Babar and flight safety were always the two worlds apart.
I landed at the beach with empty fuel tanks. The fuel had to be ferried in barrels from the Logistic Area to the beach, for refuelling my MI-8 Helicopter. With the arrival of helicopters from USA, UK, France and USSR, I requested Colonel Babar to slow down the tempo of MI-8 helicopter flying, in the interest of flight safety but to no avail. Over a month of non-stop dawn to dusk flying was manifest in the dark shadows under the crew eyes and in-elasticity creeping into our muscles."

It was interesting to note that during the relief work; the goods donated included ladies stockings, Italian fashion shoes, non-residue astronaut space food and toilet papers. The city market of Calcutta got flooded with most of the fancy stuff like tents, blankets and the shoes. Most of the medical aid was for upset stomachs, for incorrect use of donated foods, like making 'chappatis' out of powdered milk.

The locals would not bother to bury the dead. When the corpses started rotting the Army was deputed to start burying the bodies wherever found.

Major Ali Ahmad from Army Aviation, who belonged to the area and had arrived from the West Pakistan on compassionate grounds, was dropped in his village a week after the disaster. When asked why his folks would not bury their dead he was shocked at the question and explained "we never bury our dead with our own hands".

With the only limited hours for maintenance during the night time only. It was a big challenge for the maintenance personnel who did the most commendable job of maintaining these heavy workhorses after extensive flight operations under most difficult conditions in marshy areas. The choppers usually returned to base badly messed up with mud and slush from inside out.

A week after the cyclone the situation became less critical as the land and water routes were established and most of the channels of supply and distribution were well organised. Yet all the choppers that came for assistance were utilised round the clock.

President Visits Cyclone Hit Areas

President Yahya Khan visited East Pakistan during the last week of November 1970. The following day on 25th, Lieutenant Colonel Awan and Major Bajwa flew the President along with other high ranking Army and Naval officers on board to survey the cyclone affected areas to assess the relief work. Another MI-8 followed with the media personnel on board.

PIA's Hiller Helicopter Acquired

Considering the nature of the crisis due to cyclone the PIA's Hiller helicopter was also attached with the flight. Captain Bokhari of PIA transitioned Major Bokhari and Major Bajwa to "Hiller the Killer" on 20 th December 1970.

The helicopter became operational on 28 th December. Because of the availability of 36 helicopters by now, the Hiller did not get much flying. Captain Bokhari was however kept attached to the flight for over a month.

The Russian MI-8 Relief Flight

In the 4th week of December 1970, the Russians also responded by sending in three MI-8 helicopters that were flown in a giant transport plane. The Russian pilots Captain Nicolai, Captain Ardenov and Captain Igor, along with some co-pilots arrived with MI-8 Numbers R-41, R-42 and R-59, stayed on until early March 1971. The first flight was operated on 24 December 1970 and the last one on 28 th February 1971.



Epilogue

The Army Aviation contingent operated as a well-knit force with the rest of the aviation efforts, provided by the international community, for the cyclone relief operation. It was also utilized extensively during the December 1970's General elections.

Two Mi-8 helicopter in East Pakistan and few plant protection plane, thats about it.

Can you give us a thorough breakdown of total Helicopters and number of planes in Pakistan army and Aairforce at that time? Also give the number of army personnel deployed in East Pakistan and West Pakistan right before the cyclone. Also give us the number of trucks that were operated in West Pakistan army and the number trucks operated in East Pakistan army. Writing an emotive article is easy bypassing the coherent reality.

I am glad that the crew of two Mi-8 Helicopters flew days and night and we should Give them Shadinota Podok in independent Bangladesh.

20 years later USA sent aircraft carrier battle group for rescue operation whereas they sent few helicopters in 1970, that only shows the Pakistani government's lack of response to the gravity of the situation.

 

[~Phoenix~]

Two Mi-8 helicopter in East Pakistan and few plant protection plane, thats about it.

Can you give us a thorough breakdown of total Helicopters and number of planes in Pakistan army and Aairforce at that time? Also give the number of army personnel deployed in East Pakistan and West Pakistan right before the cyclone. Also give us the number of trucks that were operated in West Pakistan army and the number trucks operated in East Pakistan army. Writing an emotive article is easy bypassing the coherent reality.

I am glad that the crew of two Mi-8 Helicopters flew days and night and we should Give them Shadinota Podok in independent Bangladesh.

20 years later USA sent aircraft carrier battle group for rescue operation whereas they sent few helicopters in 1970, that only shows the Pakistani government's lack of response to the gravity of the situation.

Wanted to say the same.

 

[Signalian]

Two Mi-8 helicopter in East Pakistan and few plant protection plane, thats about it.

Can you give us a thorough breakdown of total Helicopters and number of planes in Pakistan army and Aairforce at that time? Also give the number of army personnel deployed in East Pakistan and West Pakistan right before the cyclone. Also give us the number of trucks that were operated in West Pakistan army and the number trucks operated in East Pakistan army. Writing an emotive article is easy bypassing the coherent reality.

I am glad that the crew of two Mi-8 Helicopters flew days and night and we should Give them Shadinota Podok in independent Bangladesh.

20 years later USA sent aircraft carrier battle group for rescue operation whereas they sent few helicopters in 1970, that only shows the Pakistani government's lack of response to the gravity of the situation.

The net is yours to search. There is a limit that I can go to for a thankless bunch, ciao.

 

[TopCat]

The net is yours to search. There is a limit that I can go to for a thankless bunch, ciao.

Who should we thank by the way?

 

[~Phoenix~]

The net is yours to search. There is a limit that I can go to for a thankless bunch, ciao.

First apologize for 3 million deaths,then even think us about being thankful to you.

 

[Umair Nawaz]

Two Mi-8 helicopter in East Pakistan and few plant protection plane, thats about it.

Can you give us a thorough breakdown of total Helicopters and number of planes in Pakistan army and Aairforce at that time? Also give the number of army personnel deployed in East Pakistan and West Pakistan right before the cyclone. Also give us the number of trucks that were operated in West Pakistan army and the number trucks operated in East Pakistan army. Writing an emotive article is easy bypassing the coherent reality.

I am glad that the crew of two Mi-8 Helicopters flew days and night and we should Give them Shadinota Podok in independent Bangladesh.

20 years later USA sent aircraft carrier battle group for rescue operation whereas they sent few helicopters in 1970, that only shows the Pakistani government's lack of response to the gravity of the situation.

point is we did helped yr kind, which back stabbed us, meaning we shouldnt have helped u to begin with, and should have let u drown and rot.

First apologize for 3 million deaths,then even think us about being thankful to you.

lol which was started by u

 

[livingdead]

Two Mi-8 helicopter in East Pakistan and few plant protection plane, thats about it.

Can you give us a thorough breakdown of total Helicopters and number of planes in Pakistan army and Aairforce at that time? Also give the number of army personnel deployed in East Pakistan and West Pakistan right before the cyclone. Also give us the number of trucks that were operated in West Pakistan army and the number trucks operated in East Pakistan army. Writing an emotive article is easy bypassing the coherent reality.

I am glad that the crew of two Mi-8 Helicopters flew days and night and we should Give them Shadinota Podok in independent Bangladesh.

20 years later USA sent aircraft carrier battle group for rescue operation whereas they sent few helicopters in 1970, that only shows the Pakistani government's lack of response to the gravity of the situation.

mate... you should be thankful for whatever help you get.... no country owes you anything... seriously....

 

[Arefin007]

The net is yours to search. There is a limit that I can go to for a thankless bunch, ciao.

Brother I am really sorry for ungrateful attitude displayed here I ask forgiveness plz forgive

point is we did helped yr kind, which back stabbed us, meaning we shouldnt have helped u to begin with, and should have let u drown an rot.


lol which was started by u

Brother I am sorry for ignorant comments I apologize on their behalf plz forgive

 

[Apprentice]

point is we did helped yr kind, which back stabbed us, meaning we shouldnt have helped u to begin with, and should have let u drown an rot.


lol which was started by u

We should never abandon our brothers. Nor should we fuel anger and misunderstanding between Muslim brothers. Fire should be fought with water, not more fire.

 

[Umair Nawaz]

Alright im sorry. @Apprentice @Arefin007