Jammu: The Indian Army rescued 22 CRPF personnel and three civilians in an Army helicopter from a flood-hit village in Punjab on Wednesday morning, minutes before the building they were taking shelter in collapsed, a defence spokesperson said.

Heavy and continuous rainfall across Punjab has triggered flash floods in several regions, with the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers, along with seasonal rivulets, flowing in spate.

In a swift and daring effort, Army Aviation evacuated 25 people stranded near Madhopur Headworks, located close to Lakhanpur in Jammu and Kashmir, since Tuesday, the spokesperson added.

At 6 am on Wednesday, Army helicopters took off to conduct the rescue operation despite adverse weather conditions. All the stranded individuals were brought to safety, he said.

The building where these people were sheltering collapsed shortly after the evacuation, highlighting the timeliness and precision of the rescue, the spokesperson said.

"This successful operation once again reflects the Indian Army's unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and its ability to respond promptly in crisis situations. The synergy between Army and local authorities... (averted) a potential tragedy," he said.

PTI