Army, IAF comes to rescue of flood-hit

Jammu, August 9

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The Army and Air Force (IAF) once again came to the rescue of people trapped in flash floods in the Ladakh region.

Personnel of the Army and IAF rescued more than 400 people in flood-affected areas by putting their lives to risk.

All major rivers like the Indus, Nubra, Shyok and their tributaries were flowing above the danger mark and local residents as well as tourists, including foreigners, were trapped in most places. Heavy rain inundated roads, submerged villages and damaged bridges.

Taking the task into their hands, IAF personnel in helicopters rescued 21 British nationals and one French national on August 6 and 7 in a challenging evacuation from high altitude.

On August 6, IAF personnel rescued British citizens stranded in the Markha valley, with some members suffering from asthma.

On August 7, two sets of two Cheetah helicopters each, took off at sunrise. In a matter of a few hours, the remaining 11 British nationals were rescued, said SD Goswami, defence spokesperson.

“Another request for evacuation of a French woman, who was injured, was received. Even though she had a severe spinal injury and broken ribs, she was evacuated to the Leh airfield and promptly moved to a hospital,” Goswami added. — TNS