New Delhi, January 25: Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Garud Commando Officer Wing Commander Prasanth Nair who rescued a child in a chopper during Kerala floods will be awarded Vayu Sena Medal for Gallantry at this years' Republic Day Parade. During the Operation Madad launched by Indian defence Forces to rescue people from the flood-hit regions of Kerala, Wg Cdr Nair saved many lives including a 102-year-old woman and three infants.

After rescuing the child, his father called to thank the IAF officer for saving his family. During the 14-day long Operation Madad spearheaded by the Indian Navy, around 20,000 people were rescued. The Indian Army also acted on war-footing to build 13 makeshift bridges connecting 38 flood-ravaged villages of Kerala to safer areas. Kerala Floods: Google Donates Rs 7 Crore For Flood Victims in the State.

The defence forces had also drawn applause for heroic rescues, including the air-lifting of a pregnant woman from an inundated village in Aluva region of Ernakulam district. The 25-year-old successfully gave birth to a baby boy hours after the rescue.

Kerala was hit by the worst floods in the century, which caused it a loss of Rs 19,512 crore. A total of 3,42,699 people were rendered homeless in the floods. According to the Disaster Management State Control Room, the rains and floods have claimed 491 lives in the monsoon while 14 persons remain missing.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 25, 2019 05:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).