Indian Air Force Rescues 13 Fishermen in Assam Floods

The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully rescued 13 fishermen who were stranded on a small island in the Brahmaputra River near Dibrugarh, Assam. The rescue operation was carried out on July 2 by a Mi-17 IV helicopter from AFS Mohanbari, despite challenging weather conditions.

The fishermen had been marooned since Friday due to rising water levels and strong currents, which had thwarted previous rescue attempts by the NDRF, SDRF, and Inland Water Transport boats. The IAF provided emergency first aid to the survivors after the rescue.

Meanwhile, the flood situation in Assam has worsened, affecting 19 districts including Kamrup, Golaghat, Majuli, and Dibrugarh. Kaziranga National Park has been severely impacted, with floodwaters inundating 95 of its 233 forest camps. Authorities have evacuated six camps and issued traffic diversions and Section 144 of the CrPC in affected areas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of full support from the central government during a telephone conversation. The Chief Minister briefed the Prime Minister on the relief measures being taken by the state government.

Assam Transport Minister Keshab Mahanta visited the Hatimura area in Nagaon district, where floodwaters had washed away a portion of an embankment. The administration is continuously monitoring the situation and providing safe shelter to affected residents.