Multiple Rescues by SLAF in flood ravaged North Central province
6:14pm on Friday 4th February 2011
Woman gives
birth in Bell 212 moments after rescue in
Horoupathana
Sri Lanka Air Force helicopters rescued 30 individuals including 07 pregnant mothers and several children in critical condition from Horoupathana and Saliyapura who were trapped due to the incessant flood waters this afternoon on 4th February, 2011.
A Bell 212 and a Mi-17, both from SLAF Base Anuradhapura carried out the rescue mission this morning and afternoon as flood waters which show no signs of receding continue to inconvenience the lives of several thousands of people residing in the North Central and Eastern provinces in the island.
One of the four pregnant mothers rescued from Horoupathana gave birth to her child in the SLAF’s Bell 212 chopper whilst being transported to safety. In another incident, the helicopter rescued two women trapped atop a tree while the Mi-17 rescued a group of elderly people from the Horoupathana Hospital.
The Bell 212 was captained by Flight Lieutenant Kuragamuwa while Flight Lieutenant D.U.E Silva acted as co-pilot. The two Air Gunners who were part of the rescue mission were Corporal Rajakaruna and LAC Premarathna.
Sri Lanka Air Force also airlifted a consignment of aid to the flood affected areas of Welikanda, Medirigiriya, Kahambiliyawa and Dimbulagala on a Mi-17 from SLAF Base Hingurakgoda carrying 17,000 Kg of fresh rations and 6,500 food packets.
Sri Lanka Air Force helicopters rescued 30 individuals including 07 pregnant mothers and several children in critical condition from Horoupathana and Saliyapura who were trapped due to the incessant flood waters this afternoon on 4th February, 2011.
A Bell 212 and a Mi-17, both from SLAF Base Anuradhapura carried out the rescue mission this morning and afternoon as flood waters which show no signs of receding continue to inconvenience the lives of several thousands of people residing in the North Central and Eastern provinces in the island.
One of the four pregnant mothers rescued from Horoupathana gave birth to her child in the SLAF’s Bell 212 chopper whilst being transported to safety. In another incident, the helicopter rescued two women trapped atop a tree while the Mi-17 rescued a group of elderly people from the Horoupathana Hospital.
The Bell 212 was captained by Flight Lieutenant Kuragamuwa while Flight Lieutenant D.U.E Silva acted as co-pilot. The two Air Gunners who were part of the rescue mission were Corporal Rajakaruna and LAC Premarathna.
Sri Lanka Air Force also airlifted a consignment of aid to the flood affected areas of Welikanda, Medirigiriya, Kahambiliyawa and Dimbulagala on a Mi-17 from SLAF Base Hingurakgoda carrying 17,000 Kg of fresh rations and 6,500 food packets.
