Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue in Cyclone-Hit Odisha

A helicopter rescue operation by the Indian Coast Guard in Odisha has saved six people trapped by floodwaters during Cyclone Arnab.

The group comprised two women, two children and one elderly person. They were evacuated from a flood-hemmed health centre and transported to safety by helicopter.

The emergency came to the Coast Guard's notice on October 29, when the Ganjam district administration reported the situation. The Coast Guard's air station in Bhubaneswar quickly responded by sending an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH Mk-III) and a rescue team to the site.

Although the weather was rough and conditions challenging, the crew found the primary health centre where people were stuck because of waterlogging. The helicopter was held steady over the flooded area while rescuers worked.

Specialised equipment was used to bring the six people up into the helicopter one at a time. They were then flown to the Dharakot Community Health Centre.

The Coast Guard's North-Eastern Regional Headquarters has placed its air and sea resources on high alert due to the cyclone. Its aircraft remain ready for surveillance, emergency evacuations and delivering relief to people cut off by floods or other disasters.

The rescue shows how important it is to carry out timely aerial operations even in bad weather and flood conditions.