0ver 18,000 airlifted by IAF in Uttarakhand since June 17

NEW DELHI: Indian Air Force has airlifted over 18,000 persons and dropped more than 3 lakh kg of relief material in flood-hit Uttarakhand since June 17 in its biggest ever helicopter operation for rescue and relief in the state.

"IAF has airlifted a total of 18,424 persons, flying a total of 2,137 sorties and dropping/ landing a total of 3,36,930 kgs of relief material and equipment," it said in a statement today.

In its rescue and relief operations for 'Op Rahat' that were undertaken since morning, a total of 749 persons were airlifted, flying a total of 93 sorties and dropped about 12,000 kgs of relief material and equipment, it said.