Raipur, September 2026: Eighteen people stranded amid flooding in the Dongaghat area of Bastar district were safely evacuated with the help of an Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter following heavy rains in the Bastar division.
The region has been facing severe flood conditions due to continuous heavy rainfall over the past several days under the impact of Cyclone Arnab. Torrential rain and a sudden rise in water levels caused floodwaters to enter houses in the Dongaghat area, leaving several villagers, including young children, stranded on rooftops.
In view of the seriousness of the situation, the district administration and security forces launched rescue efforts. On Sunday, a major rescue operation was carried out with the assistance of a special Mi-17 helicopter of the Indian Air Force.
IAF personnel safely airlifted 18 civilians who had been stranded amid the floodwaters in Dongaghat and moved them to a safe location.
The entire rescue operation was overseen by Bastar Collector Akash Chhikara and Superintendent of Police Shalabh Sinha. The operation was successfully completed under their direct supervision and coordination.
Meanwhile, the district administration continues to undertake relief and rescue operations in the flood-affected areas on a war footing. Relief material is being regularly delivered to affected communities, while boats and other available means are being used to evacuate people and move them to safe relief camps.
