In a daring pre-dawn operation, the Indian Army Aviation rescued 22 CRPF personnel and three civilians stranded on a dam near Madhopur Headworks in Punjab’s Pathankot district after floodwaters rose dangerously.
Army helicopters were launched at 6 AM despite adverse weather conditions, successfully evacuating all stranded individuals. Moments after the rescue, the building where they had taken shelter collapsed, highlighting the timeliness of the operation.
“This swift action once again reflects the Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and its ability to respond promptly in crisis situations,” the Indian Army said in a statement, adding that close coordination with local authorities helped avert a tragedy.
Heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir has caused rivers including the Ravi, Beas, Satluj, and Ujh to swell, flooding several Punjab districts such as Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Fazilka, and Firozpur.
Pathankot Additional Deputy Commissioner Hardeep Singh said Radha Swami Satsang Beas has been identified as an evacuation centre, with food and shelter arrangements in place. District officials are also coordinating with Jammu and Kashmir authorities to monitor rising water levels.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported widespread thunderstorm activity across Jammu and nearby regions, warning residents to remain indoors and avoid waterlogged areas.