Punjab: In a dramatic and high-risk operation, Indian Army Aviation rescued 25 people, including 22 CRPF jawans and three civilians, stranded on the roof of a building surrounded by floodwaters near Madhopur Headworks bordering Jammu and Kashmir’s Lakhanpur in Punjab on Wednesday morning. The building collapsed minutes after the last person was evacuated to safety. Incessant rains have led to flash floods in many parts of Punjab, with rivers like Sutlej, Beas and Ravi overflowing. Amid these dangerous conditions, Army Aviation helicopters took off at 6 am to carry out the rescue operation. Despite extremely challenging weather and rising waters, the Army pilots managed to land a helicopter on the partially submerged and unstable building – a move that required exceptional skill and determination.
The successful evacuation narrowly averted a tragedy, as the building collapsed soon after the last flight took off. “This operation is a testimony to the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to save lives,” a defence spokesperson said. He appreciated the coordination between the army and local authorities, which enabled the rescue operation to be completed on time. The DC said, “When we got the threat of flood three days ago, we alerted the NDRF, Air Force and Indian Army. As far as rescuing people from the top of the building is concerned, we felt the Army Aviation Branch was the best option.” DC Uppal said, “The coordination between the army and the administration was commendable. The operation was carried out with utmost precision, as even the slightest mistake could have jeopardized the entire mission.”
