Besides internal security, army assistance is sought by the governments of the northeastern states for many reasons. Usually it is during times of natural calamities. It was sought for the first time in 1950 when Assam was hit by an earthquake followed by floods. There have been numerous other instances thereafter when Army was called out to help the civil administration. In each and every case, without exception, the organizational strength of army formations and units and the dedication of disciplined Army personnel, overcame numerous challenges to rise to the occasion to provide immediate relief to the affected people.

At times requests for assistance are also made to make use of the specialized equipment and the expertise available with the Army. It could be for the launching of a bridge, as an immediate replacement for one that may have been washed away, or it could well be for army divers to locate the victims and the wreckage of a bus that may have fallen in river.

• Flood Relief: During Jul 2004, heavy rains in North East region of the country resulted in inundation of large stretches of areas in South Assam. On a requisition from civil authorities, flood relief columns from Engineer Regiments were deployed. Large number of marooned civilians were rescued, ration, food packets, water and water sterilisation kits were distributed.
  
  
• A team of an Engineer Regiment assisted civil authorities in diverting the flood waters of River Leesh at Bagrakote from 20 Jul to 23 Jul 04. Timely action prevented loss of life and property including damage to NH-31C and the NF railway line.

• Maintenance of Lines of Communications: The roads of Northern Sikkim are prone to disruption due to frequent land slides. The road was blocked due to land slide at Lantakhola for almost 27 days and an Engineer Regiment ensured movement of essential stores by establishing an aerial cable way. The Army also provided succour to stranded civilians till they could be evacuated.