Indian Air Force Evacuates 541 People and Airlifts 10,000 Kg of Relief Material Across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir

In the aftermath of landslides and floods triggered by heavy rains, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been conducting rescue operations across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. Officials have reported that the IAF has evacuated 541 people and airlifted over 10,000 kilograms of essential relief material across the affected regions.

Key Takeaways:

The IAF conducted operations in the Bharmor--Chamba sector of Himachal Pradesh, the Kullu and Kishtwar sectors, and other affected areas in Jammu & Kashmir.
A continuous 17-hour operation was carried out by four helicopters and 35 crew members, evacuating stranded residents and delivering supplies to remote locations such as Sainj Valley and Bharmor.
Multiple highways, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, remained closed due to damage caused by landslides and restoration work got hit due to incessant rainfall.
In Udhampur, IAF helicopters carried out supply airdrops to families cut off by landslides.
Ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts are being coordinated with the Jammu & Kashmir administration to ensure timely assistance to affected people.
Over 170 people have lost their lives in the past three weeks due to weather-related incidents, including landslides, cloudbursts, and floods.
The IAF continues to maintain assets in the region for follow-up rescue missions and to deliver additional supplies as required.
The operations are ongoing, and all available resources remain ready to support disaster-affected areas in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab.
The IAF is working in coordination with local authorities to monitor the situation and provide assistance where required.

Statistics:

541 people evacuated by IAF
Over 10,000 kilograms of essential relief material airlifted by IAF
170 people lost their lives in the past three weeks due to weather-related incidents
4 helicopters used for operations in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir
35 crew members participated in the 17-hour operation
17000+ people affected by landslides and floods

Sources:

Officials with the news agency