IAF doing its best for flood affected people in Kashmir: Air Cmdr Patange

Air Commodore Prashant Patange said the Indian Air Force was doing its very best to rescue people who are stranded from the flood-hit areas of Kashmir.

Speaking to ANI, Patange said, "There have been continuous operations for the past two-three days and we have been working continuously, 24 hours a day. So far, around 2,500 people have been flown out of Srinagar and brought to Jammu by the air force and 61 helicopters are constantly flying in and around Srinagar."

"We are not taking any breaks - the aircraft comes, we refuel and load it and send it back," he added.

Patange also said that due to the number of people stranded in Kashmir, a certain priority is being followed, saying, "We are giving priority to casualties, old people and women with young children."

Patange also talked about an air-bridge being formed with Srinagar. "Because the highways to Srinagar are inaccessible, we have established an air-bridge, not only from Jammu, but from all over the country. We are transporting food, rations, water and batteries for communication, and are also sending our engineers and medical teams."

Flash floods have thrown normal life out of gear in Jammu and Kashmir. People in the flood-affected areas of Poonch are being provided with healthcare and other relief materials by the Indian Air Force.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday for a first-hand assessment of the situation arising out of incessant rain and floods in the state, announced an extra Rs.1,000 crore on top of the earlier announced Rs.1,100 crores as special assistance for rehabilitation, while sharing the pain and anguish of the people of the state.