DH NEWS SERVICE
Rajouri, Jul 19
The Indian Army carried out two successful flood rescue operations in Rajouri district on Saturday, saving eleven civilians, including five children, who had become stranded due to flash floods triggered by incessant rainfall. The rescue missions were conducted in close coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the civil administration.
The operations were launched as heavy rains continued to lash several parts of Rajouri district, leading to overflowing streams, rising river levels and flash floods that disrupted normal life. Prompt action by the rescue teams ensured that all stranded civilians were brought to safety without any loss of life.
According to an official statement, troops of the Indian Army under the White Knight Corps responded immediately after receiving information that nine civilians, including five children, had been trapped across a flooded Nala near Churung village, south of Thanamandi. The sudden rise in water level had cut off their route, leaving them stranded in dangerous conditions.
Despite strong currents and adverse weather, Army personnel quickly reached the location and launched a carefully planned rescue operation. Displaying courage and professionalism, the soldiers safely evacuated all nine civilians from the flooded area. The rescued individuals were shifted to a secure location, bringing relief to their families and local residents who had been anxiously awaiting their safe return.
In another rescue mission carried out simultaneously, troops of an Engineer Regiment rescued two youths, aged between 17 and 20 years, who had become marooned on a small river island in the Naushera Tawi River near Dhangri, around 12 kilometres from Rajouri town.
The youths were trapped after the river swelled rapidly following continuous rainfall.
The rescue team navigated strong water currents and difficult conditions to reach the stranded youths. Using specialised rescue techniques and equipment, the soldiers successfully brought both of them to safety. After the operation, the rescued youths were handed over to their families in the presence of officials from the district administration.
The successful rescue missions highlighted the close coordination among the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, SDRF and civil administration. The combined efforts of these agencies ensured a swift response despite challenging terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Heavy rainfall over the past few days has caused widespread disruption in several areas of Rajouri district, with overflowing streams, damaged roads and flooding affecting normal movement. Rescue and relief teams remain on alert as authorities continue to monitor the situation in vulnerable locations.
The Indian Army said the operations reflected its continued commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief whenever required. Besides its primary responsibility of safeguarding national security, the Army regularly assists civil authorities during natural disasters by conducting rescue operations, restoring connectivity and providing emergency support to affected communities.
Officials said the timely intervention by the Army prevented what could have been a major tragedy. Residents of the affected areas also appreciated the swift response of the rescue teams, whose prompt action helped save precious lives.
The Indian Army reiterated its commitment to standing with the people during emergencies and assured that it would continue working in close coordination with civil authorities to support relief and rescue efforts wherever needed. The successful operations once again demonstrated the Army’s preparedness, professionalism and dedication to protecting lives during times of crisis.
