Heavy rains in Gujarat has led to floods in several parts of the state in which two persons were killed while more than 200 people stranded in floods were rescued by NDRF, Air Force and other agencies.
Moreover, over 6000 people from low lying areas have been shifted to safe locations by the state administration.
“Extremely heavy rains in Saurashtra region since last 24 hours. All rivers in the region are swelling, necessitating rescue works,” Gujarat's principal Secretary (revenue) Pankaj Kumar told The Hindu .
According to him, two people died so far, one each in Rajkot and Amreli while more than 200 people stranded in floods were rescued by the agencies like NDRF, SDRF and Air Force.
The state has already witnessed more than 52 per cent of thin season's total rainfall so far.
Responding to an early morning request by civil administration to rescue people fighting for life amidst flood waters, 01 MI-17V5 helicopter of the Indian Air Force took to the skies braving the extremely challenging weather conditions prevailing in the area.
The helicopter was assigned the task of airlifting stranded people from three different villages in Limbdi, Sayla and Chotila Talukas of Surendranagar district of Gujarat whilst the NDRF personnel continued the rescue effort on ground.
"Fortunately, the rescue teams were able to extricate most people out of danger before the Helicopter arrived," said Defence PRO Abhishek Matiman.
According to him, one person, however, stuck alone in a Dargaah in Untadi village in Limbdi Taluka was inaccessible for rescue teams on ground.
In a well coordinated operation, the IAF helicopter was guided to the spot and the person winched to safety in the nick of time in a meticulously executed operation.
The helicopter later returned to Ahmedabad airfield after an aerial recce of the area looking for people in need of aerial rescue. The IAF is maintaining suitably modified aircraft in a state of readiness to respond to any requisition for rescue by the state administration.
The met department has given warning of heavy rains for next 48 hours in the state.
