45-trapped-villagers-saved-by-bsf-in-high-risk-rescue-operation

In a high-risk operation, the Border Security Force (BSF) deployed a helicopter to successfully rescue 45 civilians, including women and children, trapped in the flooded Akhnoor sector village near the Chenab river on Wednesday.

 

The rescue mission by the BSF was launched after police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams failed to shift the marooned population of Fathu Kotli village in Garkhal area owing to the continuous rise in the Chenab river, which is presently flowing several feet above its evacuation level of 42 feet, the officials said adding that BSF swiftly responded to the call. 

Despite relentless rainfall, the BSF's helicopter made three daring sorties, ultimately ensuring the safe evacuation of all affected civilians to higher ground, while showcasing remarkable coordination under pressure.They said senior police and civil officers rushed to the scene early this morning after getting information that the flood waters had entered the village and 45 people were trapped.After making several attempts to establish contact with the trapped civilians, the civil administration requisitioned the BSF for a helicopter to save the precious lives.

The BSF responded to the call and its helicopter made three sorties to successfully evacuate the 45 trapped civilians from the marooned village to a safer location despite continuous rainfall, the officials said. BSF remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard 
not only nation's borders but also to extend assistance to civilians during emergencies, said the BSF spokesman adding that the Force continues to uphold its commitment to ensuring safety and security of country's citizens in crisis. 

 

Earlier, Civilians stranded due to floods in the Jammu division were airlifted by the BSF on August 28. BSF DIG Varinder Dutta said, "Due to the floods in the Chenab river on 26 August, the whole of Paragwal area was inundated in water. The entire population of the area was cut off from the mainland... There were some patients and pregnant women who were facing problems and were unable to go to Jammu for treatment. We took cognisance of the matter and prepared an evacuation plan... We executed this plan and evacuated 14 civilians and sent them to Jammu for treatment...".