NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday deployed six helicopters for large-scale relief and rescue missions in flood-hit Jammu and northern Punjab, airlifting 38 Army soldiers and 10 BSF personnel from the severely affected Dera Baba Nanak town in Gurdaspur, officials said.
Earlier in the day, an IAF C-130 transport aircraft carrying relief material and an NDRF team landed in Jammu with critical supplies. More transport aircraft remain on standby to strengthen the ongoing operations, the Defence Ministry stated.
Torrential rain, continuing for the fourth consecutive day, has submerged vast areas across Jammu and northern Punjab, forcing the evacuation of thousands from low-lying regions.
According to the ministry, five Mi-17 helicopters and one Chinook were mobilized from nearby northern bases to maximize rescue capabilities. Additional aircraft and helicopters are on standby.
In one operation in Akhnoor (Jammu), 12 Army soldiers and 11 BSF personnel — including three women constables — were winched to safety. In Pathankot (Punjab), IAF helicopters evacuated 46 stranded civilians, while over 750 kg of essential relief material was airdropped in multiple locations.
Drinking water and food packets are also being supplied to people cut off by floodwaters, an IAF source said, adding: “The IAF stands ready and resolute in providing succour and support to the affected population.”
The Defence Ministry highlighted that in “perilous conditions” at Dera Baba Nanak, 38 Army troops and 10 BSF personnel were winched out in a high-risk mission. Several more such operations are underway.
It added that the deployment of advanced air assets and highly skilled crews has ensured swift evacuations and efficient delivery of aid despite extreme weather challenges.
