Indian Army's Daring Rescue Saves 22 CRPF Personnel and 3 Civilians in Flood-Hit Punjab
In an audacious early morning mission, the Indian Army successfully rescued 22 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and three civilians who were stranded near the Madhopur Headworks, located approximately 14 kilometers from Pathankot, amid surging floodwaters in Punjab.
The group had been trapped on a rooftop since Tuesday evening, following intense rainfall that caused flash floods in the region. At 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Army units initiated a rapid rescue effort, working in close coordination with local authorities.
In a dramatic sequence of events, the building collapsed just after the final evacuee was rescued, narrowly avoiding what could have been a significant disaster.
Army Statement
Following the successful evacuation, the Army issued a statement saying:
“This successful operation once again reflects the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and its ability to respond promptly in crisis situations.”
Officials emphasized the effective partnership between the Army and civil authorities, which ensured the mission's completion with no casualties.
Punjab Battling Floods
Punjab, along with much of northern India, is struggling with the impact of heavy monsoon rains. Increased water levels in the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, which are fed by catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, have submerged low-lying districts.
The situation has worsened as additional water was released from the Pong, Bhakra, and Ranjit Sagar dams, exacerbating flooding in several areas.
In response to the crisis, the Punjab government has established a central flood control room in Jalandhar’s Circuit House and instructed district administrations to maintain a constant presence on the ground.
Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal announced that all leaves for officials and staff had been revoked, stressing that rescue and relief efforts remain the state’s top priority. State ministers, including Lal Chand Kataruchak and Goyal, are visiting flood-affected areas to evaluate the situation.
