Srinagar : Chief of Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha Tuesday visited the flooded-affected areas of Jammu and Kashmir and carried out an aerial survey of these areas.
A defence statement issued here Tueday said: “The chairman, chiefs of staff committee (COSC) and chief of the air staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha visited the flood-affected areas of Jammu and Kashmir, today and carried out aerial recce of both north and south Kashmir.
“He 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 the army, the navy, the air force and the NDRF.
“Majority of the ongoing relief operations have been launched and carried out from Air Force Station Srinagar. He then met Lieutenant General Subrata Saha, Commander 15 Corps at Badami Bagh Cantt. He also called on Governor N.N. Vohra at the Raj Bhawan and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Hari Niwas.
“He was extremely happy with all the air force stations that pitched in efforts day and night to rescue and provide relief to flood victims. The air chief said that the operations will continue till the time there is a requirement and we are here to help the people, nation and government in rescue and relief in time of need.”
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 operations carried out in the past one week in one of the most challenging circumstances of difficult terrain, inclement weather, flying at varying altitudes and unprecedented bird activity.
“He 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 interacted with the commandos who were involved in these operations and had rescued a number of people.”