Basil George led an amazing rescue mission making it possible for a

helicopter to land and rescue people in the Kerala floods.

In an admirable community effort, he and his team swam through
strong currents, broken walls and floating snakes to help friends and
strangers.

A retired assistant air traffic controller from the Indian Air Force, Basil George's
training in the IAF came handy in the greatest hour of need.

When waters were head high near his home in Neduvannur, Kerala, he led a
team of local volunteers to set up a helipad near a temple to rescue those who
needed urgent medical attention.

People were stranded on rooftops for three days. George, who served in the IAF
for 18 years, identified a flat surface on a higher ground and along with locals,
prepared the helipad in two-and-a-half hours.

"The only obstruction was a coconut tree which was cut within minutes.
Somebody managed to find chuna (lime) to make white markings. I knew what
the landing requirements were -- so we cleared the approach path by removing
cattle and vegetation," says George, who was deployed at the Kargil helipad for
46 days during the Kargil War, and now works in the Kerala State Industrial
Enterprises as a fire-cum-safety officer.