Srinagar, Sep 09 (ANI): Thousands of people rescued from the flood hit areas of Kashmir, lauded the Indian Army for its commendable operation in bringing them to safety. Some 2,500 communities are destroyed or partially underwater, while thousands of people are stranded on their rooftops still waiting for rescue. Major flooding following heavy rains caught people in low-lying areas off guard and nearly 5,000 people had to be rescued by the army. About 22 Air force helicopters and four aircraft were deployed to evacuate the stranded people and to deliver relief. About 120 army units and eight teams of police reservists, equipped with boats and life jackets, were in action. Another flood victim, Umesh Yadav said that they were rescued by Army helicopters from the terrace of the building.