Pathankot: In a dramatic operation amid relentless rainfall, the Indian Army successfully evacuated 22 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and three civilians stranded near Madhopur Headworks in Punjab’s Pathankot district. The rescue, executed under hazardous weather conditions, occurred just moments before the building where the group had sought refuge collapsed, underscoring the mission’s critical timing.
Heavy rains have pummeled northern India, including Punjab, for several days, triggering flood-like conditions across multiple districts. The rising waters of the Ravi, Ujh, and Jalalian rivers, swollen by the release of surplus water from the Ranjit Sagar Dam, inundated low-lying areas, marooning the group since Tuesday. At 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Army Aviation helicopters were deployed to navigate turbulent conditions and reach the stranded individuals.
The Indian Army’s statement, shared via a post on X by ANI, highlighted the operation’s urgency: “In a swift and daring operation, the Indian Army Aviation evacuated 22 CRPF personnel along with three civilians who had been stranded near Madhopur Headworks (Punjab) since yesterday. All stranded individuals were safely evacuated and brought to safety.” The collapse of the shelter shortly after the evacuation emphasized the precision and bravery required, as pilots landed on an unstable structure to complete the rescue.
The operation showcased seamless coordination between the Indian Army and local authorities, averting a potential tragedy. Punjab’s ongoing deluge, driven by overflowing rivers like the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, has disrupted normal life, with severe flooding reported in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Hoshiarpur. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continued thunderstorms, urging residents to avoid low-lying areas. Videos shared on X by ANI captured the helicopter’s approach and the collapsed structure, illustrating the high-stakes nature of the mission.
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