IAF intensifies flood relief operations in Punjab and Jammu, rescues 215 individuals

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has intensified its flood relief and rescue operations in north India, which commenced on August 27, with a primary focus on the severely affected regions of Punjab and Jammu. Mi-17 and Chinook helicopters have conducted over 55 sorties to evacuate stranded civilians, including personnel from the Indian Army and Border Security Force (BSF), from inundated areas in Dera Baba Nanak, Pathankot, and Akhnoor sectors.

The C-130 transport aircraft have been deployed to facilitate the rapid movement of specialised National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams into the affected zones. Air assets are strategically tasked to maximise coverage and support. According to an IAF spokesperson, the operations have enabled the rescue of 215 individuals and the delivery of 7,300 kg essential relief material in the affected areas over the past three days.

On Friday, in a daring and skilful mission, IAF helicopters evacuated nine marooned civilians, including children, from the flood-hit Dera Baba Nanak area in Punjab by winching them to safety from the roof of a house surrounded by water. Current efforts are concentrated in northern Punjab, where the situation remains critical due to continuing high water levels, which have hampered surface connectivity.

The relief missions are being executed in close coordination with the Indian Army, BSF, NDRF, and the local administration to ensure timely evacuation and distribution of supplies. Meanwhile, several Army columns deployed in Punjab and Jammu have continued their relief and rescue operations, evacuating marooned persons, providing medical aid, and distributing food and other essential supplies.

Engineers from Tiger Division laid a 110-ft Bailey bridge in just 12 hours to revive the road link over Tawi Bridge in Jammu, the eastern span of which was severely damaged by floods. Despite washed-out approaches and limited workspace, vehicular movement was restored under challenging conditions.