Locals rescue CRPF men in Kashmir
SRINAGAR: The Valley saw a role reversal on Thursday as locals rescued CRPF personnel trapped in flash floods in Kulgam district of south Kashmir.
According to eyewitnesses, CRPF personnel of 18 Battalion were trapped in flood-hit Qaimou area. The locals helped the security men take their vehicles out of water and also gave them shelter till the storm was over.
Parts of south Kashmir such as Kulgam and Pulwama were hit by flash floods due to incessant rains on Wednesday. The security men were on the way to their camp when the water stalled the movement of their vehicle. According to reports, 10 CRPF vehicles were trapped due to damage caused to the bridge on Vaishwa Nalla.CRPF public relations officer based in Srinagar, Ashish K Jha, said local drivers were extremely helpful in getting the trapped vehicles out of water. “The local drivers have been very helpful as they have expertise in handling vehicles in such adverse weather conditions,” said Jha. “There were 110 men in 10 vehicles. This battalion also has many local boys,” he said.
Jha said some residents also provided food to the soldiers and gave them shelter for the night. The battalion was later taken out of the inundated area by its colleagues.
Flood alert has been sounded in the Valley after incessant rains and flash floods lashed Kashmir since Wednesday.