Punjab monsoon scare: Close shave for 22 CRPF jawans, civilians as building collapses shortly after Indian Army airlifts them to safety

PATHANKOT: The Indian Army on Wednesday averted a potential tragedy by evacuating 22 CRPF personnel and three civilians who were stranded in a building after heavy flooding near Madhopur Headworks in Punjab.At 6 am, braving heavy rain and turbulent flying conditions, Army helicopters swooped in to evacuate the group that had been stuck in the building since Tuesday.Barely moments after the last person was rescued, the building they had been sheltering in collapsed due to the floodwaters.“The rescue reflects the Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and its ability to respond swiftly in crisis situations,” the Army said in a statement, noting that close coordination with local authorities ensured the evacuation.Pathankot has been reeling under waterlogging and flash floods caused by continuous downpours in neighbouring Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have identified Radha Swami Satsang Beas premises as a major evacuation centre. “Proper arrangements for food and shelter have been made,” said Additional Deputy Commissioner Hardeep Singh, adding that officials are monitoring water levels in coordination with J&K.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of widespread thunderstorm activity over Jammu and adjoining districts on Wednesday morning. Radar imagery showed deep convective clouds, with tops as high as 12 km, indicating heavy rain, thunderstorms and possible hail over Jammu, RS Pura, Samba, Akhnoor, Nagrota, Vijaypur, and parts of Kathua and Udhampur.Authorities have urged residents to avoid low-lying areas, stay indoors during thunderstorms, and follow official advisories.Torrential rains and landslides have snapped transport links across Jammu and Kashmir, leaving several tourists stranded. At least 18 trains were cancelled on Tuesday after flash floods in the Chakki river eroded tracks between Pathankot Cantt and Kandrori. Train services between Jammu Tawi–Katra and Jammu Tawi–Bari Brahman also remain suspended.Passengers stranded at Jammu Tawi railway station expressed concern. “We were going for darshan but all trains have been cancelled due to heavy rain. Highways are also closed,” said one. Another traveller added: “Himkoti route is shut due to landslide, three to four bridges in Jammu have also been washed away.”