IAF deploys copters, aircraft for food relief in flood-hit Punjab, Jammu

Responding to floods in several parts of Punjab and Jammu, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed several helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft for evacuating stranded persons and ferry essential supplies.

Five Mi-17 helicopters and one Chinook helicopter were promptly pressed into service from nearby bases in the Northern Sector, ensuring maximum rescue capability and operational reach. Additional helicopters remain on standby to join the rescue efforts.

An IAF C-130 transport aircraft, loaded with relief and rescue material along with a NDRF Team reached Jammu to provide critical supplies and trained personnel for ongoing rescue efforts in the area.

In Akhnoor area of Jammu, 12 Army troops and 11 BSF personnel, including three BSF women constables were winched up to safety from flood-affected areas.

IAF helicopters successfully evacuated 46 stranded civilians as flooding intensified in the Pathankot area. Further, over 750 kg of essential relief material was air dropped to support local communities.

In a high-stakes operation, 38 Army personnel and 10 BSF personnel were rescued by winching them up from the severely hit Dera Baba Nanak region. Additional missions towards rescuing affected personnel are ongoing.

The deployment of advanced air assets and highly skilled crews ensured swift, safe evacuations and efficient delivery of aid in the midst of extreme weather.

Close cooperation with the Army, BSF, NDRF and local authorities has been instrumental in saving many lives and delivering relief to those most affected, an IAF spokesperson said.

Army deploys several relief columns

The Indian Army has deployed 13 flood relief and rescue columns in response to the massive floods in Jammu and Pathankot regions.

"Demonstrating swift and coordinated effort, the columns from 9 Corps are tirelessly working in inclement weather conditions to save lives," an Army officer said.

The dedicated efforts of the relief columns in coordination with civil administration have resulted in the successful evacuation of 635 citizens, including 12 Border Security Force and 22 CRPF personnel, he added.

Meanwhile, amidst heavy rains and floods in other areas of Punjab, Army columns under the aegis of 11 Crops rescued 17 persons from Kahna village in Gurdaspur Sector to safety.

Military helicopters, including the Chinook and the Dhruv from the Indian Air Force and the Army Aviation Corps have also been deployed in flood relief operations to evacuate stranded persons and ferry supplies.