Himachal: Choppers carried out over 50 sorties in last 48 hours, rescued over 780 people, says IAF

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Choppers belonging to the Western Air Command carried out over 50 sorties over the last 48 hours, rescuing over 780 citizens in the flood-affected areas of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh, Indian Air Force officials informed on Wednesday. Speaking on the ongoing relief and rescue operations in Fatehpur sub-division of Kangra district, Deputy Commissioner, Kangra, Nipun Jindal, told ANI, «A total of 800 trapped civilians were rescued on August 15. Further rescue operations are underway with the help of NDRF, the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

All necessary arrangements have been made for those rescued so far. Relief camps have also been set up for them.» Earlier, on Wednesday, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu conducted an aerial survey of the flood-hit regions of Indora and Fatehpur in the Kangra district. He took stock of the ongoing evacuation efforts in the flooded downstream of Pong Reservoir and other relief works.

Interacting with people in relief camps at Damtal and Shekhpura, the CM enquired about their well-being while assuring them of all possible assistance from the government. He also expressed concern over the loss of lives and material damage wrought by heavy rains and flooding in the state's upper reaches. Sukhu said colossal damage has been caused to public and private properties.

Scores of locals helplessly saw their homes being washed away while vast areas under harvest have been submerged under water, leading to untold losses to farmers. «I assure you of a special package, especially for these areas, including compensation and relief materials,» the chief minister said. He directed the administration to make sure that people sheltered in relief camps are properly cared