Nine Army personnel trapped during rescue operations in Jammu and Kashmir

SRINAGAR: At least nine Army personnel, including an officer, were today trapped in strong water currents of Jhelum River as their boat capsized during a rescue operation in flood-affected Pulwama district of Kashmir, an Army official said.

A boat carrying a team of Army personnel, who were on relief and rescue operation in Pamopore area of Pulwama district, capsized and were trapped in strong water currents in Jhelum River, the official said.

While 11 personnel managed to come back to safety, nine personnel are still trapped, he said, adding, two helicopters have been pressed into service to airlift the trapped Army personnel.

"We have launched an operation to rescue them," the official said.

The flood situation in Kashmir was as worse as the Uttarakhand floods last year and Army has mobilised 60 columns for relief and rescue work across the valley, he said.

"Despite facing danger to personal safety, the army personnel are out there to provide relief to the civilian population of Kashmir," he said.

More than 5,000 persons have been rescued and evacuated to safety.

"We have set up temporary camps at several places for the displaced persons," he added.