IAF rescues 220 people from snowbound Kishtwar

Jammu: The Indian Air Force rescued 220 people stranded in snow-bound areas of remote Kishtwar district, a senior official said here on Thursday.

"The Indian Air Force (IAF) airlifted as many as 220 people trapped in snow-hit Kishtwar district yesterday," a defense spokesperson said.

He said that '130 Helicopter Unit' stationed at Jammu undertook a demanding operation to rescue stranded people from the inaccessible villages of Kishtwar, Navapachi, and Sondar.

"Braving piercing snow waves, and extreme cold conditions, IAF's MI-17 Chopper in assistance with the local administration airlifted 220 people from remote parts of Kishtwar district where they had been trapped for the past few days.

"The aircraft took off at 8 AM yesterday and continued with the operations in the freezing temperature of minus 4 degrees Celsius" he said.

He said the operation was carried out by Squadron Leader Shailesh Singh, Co-pilot Squadron Leader Nirmal and Flight Lieutenant Vikas.

The '130 Helicopter Unit' had also played an active part in rescue operations during the ravaging flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir in September last year, he added.