Jammu: An Army helicopter rescued 22 CRPF personnel and three civilians from a flooded village in Punjab on Wednesday morning, just minutes before the building they had taken shelter in collapsed, a defence spokesperson said.
Heavy rainfall across Punjab has caused flash floods in several areas, with the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi rivers and seasonal rivulets flowing above danger mark.
In a swift operation, Army Aviation evacuated the 25 stranded individuals near Madhopur Headworks, close to Lakhanpur on the Jammu and Kashmir border, where they had been trapped since Tuesday.
The rescue mission began at 6 a.m., with helicopters flying in despite adverse weather conditions. All stranded persons were safely airlifted, the spokesperson said, adding that the shelter collapsed soon after the evacuation, underscoring the critical timing of the mission.
“This successful operation once again demonstrates the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and its ability to respond swiftly in emergencies. The coordinated efforts between the Army and local authorities helped avert a major tragedy,” he said.
