Army steps up rescue work in flood-hit Bihar

NEW DELHI: Two Indian Air Force transport squadrons based in Chandigarh are actively involved in providing succour to flood-hit Bihar, having airlifted 200 tonnes of relief material in round-the-clock operations. "A total of about 200 tonnes of relief material has been airlifted from Delhi, Amritsar and Chandigarh till now. They include potable water, boats, medicines along with army personnel to help those affected by the floods," a defence spokesman said. He said regular sorties were being carried out, transporting men and material to Patna, Purnea, Bihta and adjoining airfields in Bihar. Meanwhile, to intensify the ongoing rescue work in Bihar's flood-affected areas, the Army on Monday rushed 16 additional columns of men to join relief efforts, even as Central Army Commander Lt Gen H S Panag is supervising the operations.