IAF rescues 21 people from after heavy rain
The Indian Air Force (IAF) saved 21 people in two days in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh after heavy rain caused the Beas River to swell, leaving people stranded on islets.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) saved 21 people in two days in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh after heavy rain caused the Beas River to swell, leaving people stranded on islets.
Airforce Station Sarsawa received a call-out from the State Government of Himachal on 23 September, reporting that 19 people were stranded on an islet. An Mi-17 helicopter from the Might Armour unit at Sarsawa was then dispatched, locating the 19 people on the Beas River. The pilot, Squadron Leader Vipul Gupta, was able to bring the helicopter to a low hover, as the crew helped the stranded people onboard. The group was then flown to safety at an airfield at Bhuntar.
The next day, the unit was called out again after two youths were spotted stranded on a small strip of land in the middle of the river. The helicopter had been ordered to remain at Bhuntar Airfield in case it was needed for further rescues, and so was able to quickly respond. It was unable to land near where the two people were located, so the crew winched them up, before taking them to safety.
“Today restricted space, high wind speed, high-tension cables and tall trees precluded the chance of landing, hence we had to winch the two people. All rescued were reported to be safe and fine. We are on standby for any further requirements,” said Squadron Leader Gupta.