IAF Helicopters & Aircraft Lead Massive Punjab-Jammu Flood Rescue, 700+ Evacuated
Indian Air Force, Army, BSF & NDRF join forces in high-risk flood rescue missions across Punjab & Jammu….
Chandigarh, : Responding to floods in Punjab and Jammu, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed helicopters and transport aircraft for evacuation and supply of essential relief materials.
IAF Deployment
Five Mi-17 helicopters and one Chinook helicopter were pressed into service from Northern Sector bases, ensuring maximum rescue capability. Additional helicopters remain on standby. An IAF C-130 transport aircraft carrying relief material and an NDRF team landed in Jammu to strengthen ongoing operations.
In Akhnoor (Jammu), IAF helicopters winched to safety 12 Army troops and 11 BSF personnel, including three women constables. In Pathankot, 46 stranded civilians were evacuated while 750 kg of relief supplies were air dropped to affected communities.
At Dera Baba Nanak, 38 Army personnel and 10 BSF jawans were rescued in a high-risk mission.
Army Relief Columns
The Indian Army has deployed 13 flood relief columns in Jammu and Pathankot, evacuating 635 citizens, including 12 BSF and 22 CRPF personnel. Despite heavy rain, the Army reported smooth coordination with civil authorities.
In Gurdaspur’s Kahna village, Army columns under 11 Corps evacuated 17 persons to safety.
Joint Efforts
Military helicopters from the IAF and Army Aviation Corps, including Chinook and Dhruv, are conducting ongoing missions for evacuation and supply delivery.
An IAF spokesperson said, “Close coordination with the Army, BSF, NDRF and local authorities has been key in saving lives and ensuring timely relief.”
