In a display of grit and determination, Indian Army troops of the Western Command undertook a night-long march through heavy rain and darkness to save lives in flood-ravaged Punjab and Jammu.
In Ramkot village of Jammu region, completely cut off by road, a nine-month pregnant woman in labour was airlifted by an Army Dhruv helicopter after troops trekked 18 km to coordinate her evacuation. She was safely admitted to the Military Hospital in Samba for urgent medical care.
In another challenging operation, Army engineers rescued a bedridden woman suffering from a cardiac ailment in Sammoval village. As boats could not reach her house, soldiers carried her on her cot for nearly 300 metres through floodwaters before placing her on a boat. She was later shifted along with her family in a high-mobility vehicle to Amritsar for medical attention.
The Army has deployed over 50 columns in flood-hit areas of Punjab and Jammu, rescuing more than 5,500 civilians and 300 paramilitary personnel so far. Medical aid has been extended to over 3,000 people, while 27 tons of rations and essentials have been delivered.
Seven fresh columns have been launched in Taran Taran, Ferozepur, Shahkot, Phillaur, Dhatewal, Sarala, and Harchandpura as water levels in the Ghaggar river rise. Engineer regiments have repaired critical infrastructure, including the Jaitpur bundh in the Mamun sector, water pipelines at Sidhra Bridge, and damaged roads near Tawi View Point.
In Punjab, Army units are working round-the-clock to plug breaches, strengthen embankments, transport food and fodder, and clear water channels. On Wednesday night, a column from Golden Arrow Division, assisted by engineers, contained a major breach in the Sutlej embankment at Daudpur village near Ropar, preventing further damage.
The Border Security Force (BSF) has also reinforced relief operations with personnel, helicopters, and boats. At Shamsekhurd village in Gurdaspur, the BSF organised a medical camp treating over 300 flood-affected residents, including children.
With relentless rains worsening the situation, Army and BSF troops continue to work alongside civil authorities, providing life-saving assistance and restoring vital connectivity across flood-hit regions.
