Jhansi August 26, : Two helicopters of the army were put into action to lift five farmers who were stranded on an island in the middle of the rising Betwa river for the past five days.It was one of the most challenging rescue missions that lasted for many hours in Jhansi on Thursday.
The Army choppers flew in from Gwalior in the event that efforts made at the village level to connect with the farmers did not work.
ADG, Kanpur zone, Bhanu Bhaskar stated that the Jhansi administration had requested the army’s assistance in the rescue of these farmers.
Bhuri Singh Bhuri Singh Hariram 40, Ashok Chaturbhuj, 23, Mani, 38, and one other person were stuck on the island since 19 August which was the day they had gone fishing.
But, the water that was released from Madhya Pradesh increased the water level of the river and made their return nearly impossible.
They also have their land for agriculture on the island.
“While being there , we decided to fish because the water was low.One of us had two-and-half-kilogram of wheat flour and some water.The water level began to rise with rapid speed and we were stuck.” Mani explained.Mani.
Bhuri’s father Jamuna stated that the families were not in communication with one of them in the last five days.Everyone knew that they were on the island.
The villager tried rescue operations but were unable to make any breakthrough.The gushing waters were terrifying.
“On Thursday the villagers notified the authorities of the district,” stated Jhansi SSP Shiv Hari Meena who monitored the rescue operations.
The state disaster response force (SDRF) team was the first summoned in but it was unable to accomplish much because the current of water was not just strong but the large stones were deemed to be a huge risk for steamers and boats.
In the aftermath the military was informed, and quickly a temporary helicopter pad was constructed in a safe location to allow the landing of their helicopters.
The survivors claimed that they had no food or drink in the two days preceding.
“We had given up possibility of having a life.It was as if we were waiting for the end of the world.Army choppers coming to our rescue was like a godsend to us.” Bhuri said.Bhuri.
The army choppers spent three hours in transporting everyone of them back to safety.Medical personnel assessed them at the scene and then allowed them to return home.
amita/shs
