Daijiworld Media Network- Madhopur

Madhopur, Aug 27: In a daring rescue operation on Wednesday morning, the Indian Army Aviation saved 22 CRPF personnel and three civilians who were stranded near Madhopur Headworks in Pathankot district after floodwaters rose dangerously.

Army officials said helicopters were pressed into service at 6 am despite adverse weather. All those trapped were successfully evacuated and brought to safety. Moments after the rescue, the building in which the CRPF men had taken shelter collapsed, underlining the precision and timeliness of the operation.

“This successful mission once again reflects the Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and its ability to respond swiftly in crisis situations,” an official statement noted, adding that close coordination with local authorities helped avert a tragedy.

Heavy rains across Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir have swollen rivers, including the Satluj, Beas, Ujh and Ravi, leading to flooding in several Punjab districts such as Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Fazilka, Tarn Taran and Firozpur.

Authorities in Pathankot have already identified Radha Swami Satsang Beas as an evacuation centre to shift residents from vulnerable areas. The India Meteorological Department has warned of continued thunderstorms and heavy rains across Jammu and adjoining regions.