Army saves civilians from flash flood in daring night op
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Chandigarh: In a dramatic night rescue on Wednesday, Army saved four civilians when a sudden flash flood struck Hojis Lungpa Nala around 7pm.
Triggered by a cloudburst in the higher reaches of Rishi Dogri Valley, the deluge engulfed a bridge across the Sutlej and injured one person.
The site was a road construction zone towards Gangthang Bralam.
On receiving an SOS from the Kinnaur SP, Army mobilised a rescue team that braved fast currents and unstable terrain in complete darkness to reach the location and find four men stranded on the far bank with floodwaters raging all around.
The Army deployed its new generation equipment, including the 'Logistics Drone High Altitude (LDHA)' system to ferry essential items, including food and coconut water across the floodwaters to help sustain the stranded individuals through the night.
Working with precision under challenging conditions, the soldiers illuminated the area to aid night rescue operations. They also guided the stranded civilians to higher and safer ground and evacuated the injured person to Regional Hospital, Reckong Peo.
An Army spokesperson said the rescued civilians are at an Army Camp at Pooh and will be taken home once water levels subside. "This operation stands as a testament to the Army's readiness, innovation and commitment to safeguarding lives — even in the most hostile environment and extreme weather conditions," the spokesperson added.
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