Air Force intensifies flood relief operations across northern Punjab, Jammu

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has escalated its flood relief and rescue operations in northern India, focusing primarily on the severely affected Jammu and Punjab regions.
Mi-17 and Chinook helicopters have conducted more than 55 sorties to extract stranded civilians, including personnel from the Indian Army and Border Security Force, from inundated areas in Dera Baba Nanak, Pathankot, and Akhnoor sectors, an official statement said.
Transport aircraft (C-130) have been deployed to facilitate the rapid movement of specialised NDRF teams into the affected zones.
The operations have enabled the rescue of 215 individuals and delivered 7,300 kgs of essential relief material in the affected areas in the past three days.
@IAF_MCC and @hqwaciaf swiftly responded to the emerging flood situation in Punjab and Jammu regions and deployed helicopters and transport aircraft to support rescue efforts. Over 15 sorties have been flown rescuing over 110 souls.
— PRO Defence Palam (@DefencePROPalam) August 27, 2025
Full details 👇👇https://t.co/1sV7wV9OM1 pic.twitter.com/nK2Lg9cvPt
Current efforts are concentrated in Northern Punjab, where the situation remains most critical due to continuing high water levels, which have hampered surface connectivity.
Air assets are strategically tasked to maximize coverage and support.
Relief missions are being executed in close coordination with the Indian Army, Border Security Force, National Disaster Response Force, and local administration to ensure timely evacuation and distribution of supplies.