Two women, caught in flash floods in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, were today rescued by Indian Air Force personnel.
Due to heavy rains in hills of Kathua district since this morning, a tributary in Billawar area swelled up with and two women were caught in the flash-floods, Defence Spokesman Col S D Goswami said.
After receiving an SOS call from Bilawar village, IAF pressed its Chetak helicopter into service, he said.
The rescue operation was launched under the command of Wing Commander V Takawale and Flight Lieutenant Pravinhad, Col Goswami said adding the chopper reached the spot braving inclement weather.
Two ladies were rescued from a small island in between the swelled up river, he said adding that the pilots manoeuvred the helicopter in the restricted airspace due to narrow valley and low clouds and landed on the island.
"The ladies were picked up while the pilots were still on controls due to the rising water," Spokesman said adding that the helicopter flew to a nearby safe spot and evacuated the ladies and returned to base.
