Jammu & Kashmir: Dramatic visuals showed Indian Air Force officials successfully managing to rescue two persons who were stuck near an under-construction bridge after a sudden increase in the water level of Tawi river this afternoon.

In the first attempt, the ladder used by the air force personnel malfunctioned following which the two stranded men fell into the river but fortunately were able to swim and secure themselves from the raging water current.

The two labourers stuck amidst rising water levels were airlifted by the IAF chopper safely in the second rescue operation.

The rescue was cheered by locals and colleagues of the the stranded men.



Reports say two other persons were also recused safely by the defence personnel earlier in the morning.

Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in several parts of Jammu region, raising water level in major rivers, including in the Tawi, and leaving some low-lying areas submerged.

On Saturday two siblings were washed away when they tried to cross an overflowing stream on their way home at Kameela village in Vijaypur area of Samba district, a police official was quoted by news agency PTI.

Katra, the famous town which serves as the base camp for the pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district, recorded the highest 133.4 mm rainfall since Friday night, a metrological department spokesperson reportedly said.