Army's swift rescue operation in flood-hit J&K's Rajouri saves 11 civilians
Jammu, July 19
The Army on Sunday carried out a swift rescue operation in the flash flood-affected Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir and saved 11 civilians.
A Defence Ministry statement said that in a remarkable display of courage, professionalism and commitment to humanitarian assistance, troops of the Indian Army under White Knight Corps, in close coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the civil administration, successfully rescued eleven civilians, including five children, stranded at different locations in the flood-affected Rajouri district following incessant rainfall and flash floods.
In the first operation, Army troops responded swiftly to reports of nine civilians, including five children, stranded across a flooded Nala near Churung Village, south of Thanamandi. Despite strong currents and challenging weather conditions, the rescue teams reached the site promptly and safely evacuated all the stranded civilians.
In a parallel rescue operation, troops of the Engineer Regiment rescued two youths, aged between 17 and 20 years, who had become marooned on a river island in the Naushera Tawi River near Dhangri, approximately 12 km from Rajouri.
Displaying exceptional courage and skill, the rescue team braved strong water currents and successfully brought both youths to safety. They were subsequently handed over to their families in the presence of officials from the civil administration, Rajouri.
These timely rescue operations underscore the Indian Army's unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and extending assistance to the people during natural disasters and emergencies.
The seamless coordination between the Army, Police, SDRF and civil administration ensured the successful execution of both rescue missions without any loss of life.
The Indian Army remains steadfast in its resolve to serve the nation and its citizens, standing shoulder to shoulder with the people in times of crisis, the statement added.
Flash floods have wreaked havoc in Poonch and Rajouri districts, and 10 people have died in the Bafliaz area while several others are still missing.
The Lt. Governor, Manoj Sinha, reviewed the flood situation in the morning and directed the district administration to render all possible help to the affected families.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rushed back from New Delhi to Jammu to personally supervise the relief and rescue operation in the flood-ravaged areas.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great to see the military acting so quickly. I've visited Rajouri before, and the terrain there is brutal, especially during monsoons. Those five children must be so relieved. Good job, everyone involved.
The Army is always there in times of need, whether it's floods, earthquakes, or avalanches. But we need better early warning systems and flood management in J&K. These situations should not be always reactive. At least the children are safe. 🙏
Incredible bravery from the Engineer Regiment too, rescuing those two youths from a river island. The water currents must have been terrifying. My thoughts are with the families of the 10 who died in Bafliaz, though. 💔
Lekin yaar, 10 log toh mar gaye already. Good rescue, but we need to question why flood preparedness is always so poor in these areas. CM Omar Abdullah came back from Delhi, but action on the ground needs to be faster. Still, thank you Army for saving those 11 souls.
The White Knight Corps living up to its name! Rescue operations in flash floods are no joke, especially with kids involved. Big salute to the jawans and the coordination with local authorities. J&K is in safe hands. 🇮🇳
M Michael C