Pune's flying women save earthquake hit Sikkim

Gangtok, Sep 25: Two superwomen in Indian Air Force (IAF), 26-year-old Arunima Vidhate and 25-year-old PP Ranade were two among the 18-member helicopter pilots who played a key role in the rescue and relief works in the earthquake-hit Sikkim.

Vidhate, a girl from Pune, has been appointed at the Bagdogra airport was one of the first person who conducted a minute survey at the tremor-ridden region, especially the North-Sikkim, the worst affected area of Sunday's (Sep 18) earthquake.

Speaking about her experience, Vidhate said, "The first thing I saw during the aerial recee was numerous landslides and how areas were cut off because of that. Thereafter our team started relief work, air-dropping food packets, medicines and other relief material for the affected people."

Meanwhile, Ranade also stated, "One thing which strikes me most was the joy among people when they hear the sound of our helicopter approaching them. Their feeling that they have not been left alone and that there is someone for them touched me."

However, the North-East part of the country is gradually recovering from its initial aftershock of the quake. Connecting roads in the main and remote areas have been restored. Army and IAF personnel are still continuing their rescue and relief work at the region.

OneIndia News