IAF helicopters pressed into relief and rescue efforts

By T K Singha

Bhubaneshwar:

The Indian Air Force (IAF) launched four Mi-17 V5 helicopters from Barrackpore, an Eastern Air Command (EAC) airbase, towards relief and rescue operations in areas adjoining Balasore and Chandipur in Odisha, affected by floods following torrential overnight rains.

The areas affected include Remuna, Dharampur and Badapal. Nearly 15,000 food packets provided by the State administration were dropped in these areas. A total of 5.5 tonnes of load was dropped in four sorties.

Indian Navy divers were also additionally flown by the Mi-17 V5 helicopters for rescue efforts in areas badly inundated by water. The navy divers were airlifted to some of the worst affected areas north of Balasore and Chandipur.

The army has also mobilised a column at Balasore for similar efforts. Another army engineering task force operating from Gopalpur also proceeded towards Pithal village in Chattrapur, in the early hours on Monday, about 100 kms west of Ganjam, for relief work