Rescue operations to continue till there is requirement: IAF Chief

He interacted with the station personnel of Srinagar and Awantipur and said that every Air warrior “had done their bit including the support services”.

“It was one of the biggest and challenging helicopter and transport operation carried out in the past one week in one of the most challenging circumstances of difficult terrain, inclement weather, flying at a varying altitude and
unprecedented bird activity.

“An outstanding effort was put in by all personnel of Indian Air Force in carrying out day and night operations to offload and disperse relief material”, he said.

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha today visited the flood affected areas of Jammu and Kashmir and carried out aerial recce of both north and south Kashmir, a Defence Spokesman said here.

The Air Chief Marshal took stock of the relief and rescue operations being carried out by the Armed Forces.

He was extremely satisfied with the team work and joint operations being carried out by Army, Navy, Air Force and NDRF in trying their best to restore conditions back to normalcy.

During his visit, the Air Chief was received by Air Commodore B Balachandran, Air Officer Commanding Srinagar Air Force Station.

The majority of relief operations have been launched and carried out from the Srinagar Air Force Station.

Later, he met Lieutenant General Subrata Saha, Commander 15 Corps at Badami Bagh Cantt.

He also called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Hari Niwas and Governor N N Vohra at Raj Bhawan.

The IAF Chief was extremely happy with all the Air Force stations that pitched in their efforts day and night
to rescue and provide relief to flood victims, the spokesman said.

The Air Chief also visited the No 3 Rapid Air Medical Team (RAMT) and found it well established and equipped with Mobile Critical Care Centre for flood victims.

He also interacted with the Commandos who were involved in the rescue operations.