Ghaziabad:
As rescue and relief operations continue on a war footing in Uttarakhand, the Indian Air Force (IAF) today pressed into service the C-130J, a massive transport aircraft, which brought back to safety 113 people who were rescued in Uttarakhand. Those rescued include 17 foreign nationals, who arrived at the Hindon Air Force base near Ghaziabad, a suburb of Delhi.
Famously known as the "Super" Hercules, the C130-J landed at Dharasu - an advanced landing ground near Uttarkashi - for the first time, which has a landing strip that is only 4,500 feet long. The pilots also had to contend with inclement weather.
The aircraft also replenished fuel supplies, critical choppers that are already in service to help rescue thousands stranded across the state.
The Air Force has committed three C130-Js to its "Operation Rahat" in Uttarakhand - the ongoing rescue and relief work in the rain-ravaged state is the biggest ever undertaken by the armed forces.
While the second C130-J has flown to Dharasu with more fuel, the third will transport medical supplies.
The Army and Air Force have deployed over 50 helicopters for rescue efforts, but a shortage of fuel has been a point of major concern. The C130-J is bound to augment those operations.