Army rescues four from flood-hit Kinnaur

The Indian Army’s swift response averted a potential tragedy following flashfloods at Hojis Lungpa Nala on Thursday evening. The Army helped four stranded civilians move to a higher and safer ground and evacuated an injured person to the Regional Hospital, Reckong Peo.

Flashfloods triggered by a cloudburst in the higher reaches of the Rishi Dogri Valley engulfed the bridge across the Sutlej, injuring one person. On receiving an urgent request from the Kinnaur SP, the Army immediately mobilised a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) column. Braving darkness, fast currents and unstable terrain, the team reached the location and found four civilians stranded on the far bank of the river.

An Army spokesperson said that the team illuminated the general area to aid night rescue operations. “The Army deployed its new generation equipment to assist in this operation, which included the Logistics Drone High Altitude (LDHA) system to ferry essential items, including eatables, coconut water across the floodwaters to help sustain the stranded individuals through the night,” the spokesperson said.

The rescued civilians are under observation in the Army camp at Pooh. The stranded individuals would be sent back home once water levels subside.