New Delhi, June 25, 2013: Presiding over the second high-level review meeting of the relief and rescue work by the armed forces in rain-ravaged Uttarakhand, Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Monday said, “Our efforts will continue till the last survivor is rescued to safety.’’

Mr. Antony complimented the Army and the Air Force for continuing their rescue missions despite bad weather conditions. The review meeting was attended by the National Security Adviser, the three Services chiefs and top Defence Ministry officials.

The meeting also discussed the role of the armed forces in reconstruction work in Uttarakhand after completion of the relief and rescue work.

Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne also sought to reach out to the people stranded in the upper reaches and remote areas. “Our helicopter rotors will not stop churning till such time we get each one of you out, do not lose hope and hang in there.’’

The IAF has deployed 45 of its choppers in relief operations along with the C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft which are supplying fuel and transporting stranded persons from there to Hindon air base on the outskirts of Delhi. On Monday despite bad weather and rains, the IAF flew 116 sorties of its various choppers and rescued 1,095 pilgrims.

The Air Force has since June 17 airlifted 10,731 people flying 1,163 sorties and dropping or landing 1,84,262 kg of relief material and equipment.

The Army used both choppers and land route to evacuate people.

Source: The Hindu, DT. June 25, 2013.