IAF helicopters join rescue and relief mission at Amarnath

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Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed its helicopters service for rescue and relief operations after the cloudburst tragedy near the cave shrine of Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>
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At least 16 people have died in the flood triggered by cloudburst incident and 40 are still missing.</p>
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"Indian Air Force has pressed its transport and helicopter assets into service for rescue and relief operations at Amarnath. Mi-17V5 helicopters have inducted NDRF and civil administration personnel at Panchtarni and rescued 21 survivors. The helicopters have also brought back mortal remains of 6 people. Further operations by IAF Mi-17V5 and Cheetah helicopters are in progress. Aircraft are on standby at all major air bases in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh areas," IAF said in a statement.</p>
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NDRF DG Atul Karwal told ANI on Saturday that "there is no landslide, but rain continues, though there is no problem in rescue work. Four NDRF teams with over 100 rescuers are in rescue work. Besides, Indian Army, BSF, SDRF, CRPF and others continue with the rescue operation," he said.</p>
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ITBP PRO Vivek Kumar Pandey said rescue operation has been intensified.</p>
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"Around 30-40 people are still missing. We have got information from the local administration. The weather is clear near the Amarnath cave. The injured people have been brought to the base using helicopters. Yatra is still on hold and we are advising people not to move ahead," he said.</p>