IAF helicopter rescues 13 stranded fishermen from flooded Brahmaputra in Assam.
Thirteen fishermen were marooned on a sandbar in the Brahmaputra River, trapped by rising waters following heavy rainfall since Friday. The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed a helicopter to rescue them from their precarious situation. The sandbar where they were stranded is situated in the middle of the Brahmaputra River in Assam. The timely rescue operation became necessary as the water level continued to rise, endangering their safety. The IAF’s swift response ensured the fishermen were airlifted to safety, preventing any potential harm from the increasingly turbulent river conditions caused by the ongoing rainfall.
Thirteen fishermen stranded on a sandbar due to rising water levels in the Brahmaputra River in Assam’s Dibrugarh were rescued by an Indian Air Force helicopter on Tuesday morning, officials said.
According to officials from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a successful rescue operation after a request from the state government. Efforts to reach thirteen stranded fishermen by boats had failed on Monday, prompting the intervention.
The fishermen had been marooned on a sandbar located in the middle of the Brahmaputra River since Friday, following a significant rise in water levels due to heavy rainfall.
ASDMA reported that the water level in the Brahmaputra River had been consistently above 105 meters for the past five days. Furthermore, it had surpassed the danger level of 105.70 meters at Dibrugarh several times, although the exact number of instances couldn’t be specified due to fluctuations in river flow.
The timely response from the IAF averted potential danger to the fishermen’s lives amidst the challenging conditions caused by the rising river waters. The rescue operation was crucial as attempts using boats had proved unsuccessful due to the swift and dangerous currents.
The incident highlights the critical role played by emergency response teams in mitigating disasters during natural calamities such as floods. The coordination between state authorities and national defense forces like the IAF underscores the importance of preparedness and swift action in such situations.
ASDMA continues to monitor the situation closely, given the unpredictable nature of river levels during the monsoon season. They emphasize the need for vigilance and caution among residents living along the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries, urging them to adhere to safety guidelines and heed evacuation warnings when issued.
In conclusion, the successful rescue of the thirteen fishermen by the IAF underscores a collaborative effort in disaster management, ensuring the safety of citizens amidst challenging environmental conditions.
ASDMA attributed the rising water levels in the Brahmaputra River to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Siang and Lohit rivers, along with other tributaries in Arunachal Pradesh. Nearby rivers such as Burhidihing and Sessa were also reported to be flowing above their danger levels, exacerbating the flood situation.
Earlier, on Sunday, ASDMA had mobilized an IAF helicopter to rescue eight State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel and one revenue official from Jonai, Dhemaji. They had become stranded on a sandbar while en route for relief operations amidst the challenging flood conditions in the region.