206 evacuees from Kashmir reach Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Sep 10: The Indian Air Force (IAF) Wednesday airlifted 206 people, who were stranded in flood-hit Jammu and Kashmir for the last few days, to Chandigarh.

Those rescued included civilians, tourists and workers from other parts of India. They were rescued from various places in the Kashmir valley by security agencies in overnight rescue and relief operations, a defence spokesman said here.

The people were brought to Chandigarh on an IL-76 aircraft.

"Medical assistance, food, drinking water and primary help was given to the rescued people at the 12 Wing relief camp. Onward transportation to bus stands and railway stations for their hometowns was also arranged," the spokesman said.

The IAF Monday brought nearly 350 people from Jammu and Kashmir to Chandigarh.

The Air Force 12 Wing has launched Mi-26 helicopter, the biggest helicopter in the world, in the ongoing relief operation in Kashmir.

"Mi-26 will be operating ex-Awantipur and will prove to be very effective in flood relief. It will also assist in infrastructure development as it can carry heavy machinery and load in a single sortie. This is the world's biggest helicopter and can lift 30 tonnes of load," the spokesman said.

The deployment of Mi-26 will also help in speedy repair of roads, bridges and other infrastructure, he added.

IANS