IAF Helicopter Evacuates Paralyzed Woman from Snowbound Himachal Village

The Indian Air Force conducted an urgent helicopter evacuation of an 85-year-old paralyzed woman from the remote village of Dhanderwari in Himachal Pradesh to Chandigarh. Heavy snowfall had blocked all road access, necessitating the aerial rescue at an altitude of approximately 9,000 feet. The mission was successfully completed despite active snowfall and challenging low-visibility conditions. Meanwhile, parts of Himachal Pradesh experienced significant rain and snow, with the IMD issuing warnings for thunderstorms and gusty winds.

Key Points: IAF Rescues Elderly Woman from Snow-Cut Himachal Village

  • Emergency medical evacuation from 9,000 ft
  • All road access blocked by heavy snow
  • Mission completed amid snowfall and low visibility
  • Patient is stable after timely assistance
2 min read

IAF airlifts paralysed woman, after snowfall blocks Himachal roads

Indian Air Force Cheetah helicopter performs high-altitude medical evacuation of an 85-year-old paralyzed woman after snowfall blocks all roads in Himachal Pradesh.

"The life-saving mission was completed in snowfall, and low visibility. The woman is stable after receiving timely medical assistance. - Indian Air Force"

Dhanderwari, February 1

An Indian Air Force Cheetah helicopter on Sunday carried out an emergency medical evacuation of an 85-year-old paralysed woman from the remote village of Dhanderwari in Himachal Pradesh to Chandigarh after heavy snowfall blocked all road access.

The patient received timely medical assistance and is presently stable.

The evacuation was conducted at an altitude of approximately 9,000 feet above mean sea level amid active snowfall and low visibility.

In a post on X, IAF said, "An IAF Cheetah helicopter undertook an urgent medical evacuation of an 85 Year-old paralysed woman from Dhanderwari, Himachal Pradesh (9,000 ft AMSL) to Chandigarh. This was after snowfall blocked all roads. The life-saving mission was completed in snowfall, and low visibility. The woman is stable after receiving timely medical assistance."

Meanwhile, parts of Himachal Pradesh received rain and snow over the last 24 hours, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds at isolated places in the state on Sunday.

According to the IMD's morning weather bulletin issued from Shimla, there was no significant change in minimum and maximum temperatures across most stations in the state. However, minimum temperatures at a few places rose by 2 to 6 degrees Celsius, while at some stations they remained near normal or were 3 to 6 degrees above normal.

The lowest minimum temperature in the state was recorded at Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti at -3.6 degrees Celsius, while the highest maximum temperature was recorded at Paonta Sahib at 24 degrees Celsius.

Over the past 24 hours, significant rainfall was reported at several locations, with Manali receiving 10 mm, followed by Sujanpur Tira (7.8 mm), Sarahan (7.3 mm), Shimla (4.2 mm), Malraon (4.0 mm), and Solan and Jubberhatti (3.4 mm each).

The IMD said thunderstorm activity was observed at Shimla and Sundernagar, while no fog, cold wave, cold day conditions or gusty winds were reported during the period .

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Heartwarming story. Can't imagine the relief for her family. It highlights the challenges people face in remote hill areas during winter. Hope the government also invests more in all-weather road connectivity for such villages.
R
Rohit P
Amazing job by the IAF! Flying at 9000 ft in active snowfall is no joke. These are the real heroes. Meanwhile, the IMD warning for thunderstorms is concerning. Hope everyone in Himachal stays safe.
S
Sarah B
While this rescue is commendable, it also shows a systemic failure. Why are our remote villages so vulnerable? Every year, snowfall cuts them off. We need permanent solutions, not just heroic last-minute rescues. Just my respectful two cents.
V
Vikram M
Tabo at -3.6°C and Paonta at 24°C... Himachal has such diverse weather! Glad the lady is stable. This is true 'Jan Seva'. God bless the team.
K
Kavya N
As someone from a hilly state, I know how scary it can be when roads are blocked and a medical emergency strikes. Thank you IAF for this timely action. 🙏 Hope more emergency helipads are built in remote areas.

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