The Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched extensive relief and rescue operations in Jammu and northern Punjab following floods triggered by heavy rains, the defence ministry said on Wednesday.
Five Mi-17 helicopters and one Chinook were deployed from nearby bases in the Northern Sector, while additional helicopters remain on standby. A C-130 transport aircraft carrying relief material and a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team also reached Jammu, the ministry said.
In coordinated operations, 12 Army troops and 11 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, including three women constables, were rescued from flood-hit areas of Akhnoor in Jammu. IAF helicopters also evacuated 46 civilians from Pathankot in Punjab and air-dropped more than 750 kg of essential supplies.
The IAF further rescued 38 Army personnel and 10 BSF personnel from Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab, where flooding had intensified.
The defence ministry said the air force is working with the Army, BSF, NDRF, and local authorities to conduct evacuations and deliver aid. Additional aircraft and crews remain on standby as operations continue.