Indian Army Deploys Gabion Baskets to Combat Floods in Vijayawada

The Indian Army's HADR team is leveraging Gabion and HESCO baskets to address critical breaches in Vijayawada amid Andhra Pradesh floods. Temporary solutions inadvertently funneled water to a third breach. The Army is using local resources for swift deployment and the Indian Navy is also aiding in relief efforts.

In response to the ongoing floods in Andhra Pradesh, the Indian Army's Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations have been actively addressing critical breaches in Vijayawada. Utilizing Gabion baskets, the Army is working to contain the situation, as temporary measures have provided only momentary relief. 'The initial breaches, labeled Breach 1 and Breach 2, each spanning 10-15 meters, were temporarily plugged by the Civil administration,' read an official statement.

The temporary solution, however, has funneled the water flow into a third breach, exacerbating the situation. 'This temporary fix has resulted in a funnelling effect, increasing the water flow at the third breach site, which spans 80-100 meters. The current water speed at this location is between 6-8 knots, with forecasts indicating a potential increase to 10-12 knots,' the statement added. The HADR team will employ Gabion and HESCO baskets to address these breaches in critical areas.

The strategy involves stacking Gabion baskets, each measuring 5x2x2 meters, filled with stones to fortify the breach. 'A protective bund, reaching up to 4 meters, will follow the placement of Gabion baskets, supported by necessary earthwork on the outer side,' the statement explained. Local resources are being utilized for the quick fabrication of Gabion baskets. 'Additionally, trials involving HESCO baskets filled with sandbags are underway to evaluate their effectiveness,' the statement said.

Gabion baskets, wired containers filled with rocks or soil, and HESCO baskets, wire mesh containers lined with heavy fabric, are essential in erosion prevention and slope retention. In parallel, the Indian Navy continues its relief operations, evacuating affected residents and distributing food in flood-hit areas. (ANI)