IAF HELICOPTER HADR OPERATIONS: HIMACHAL PRADESH

Indian Air Force boasts of a robust mechanism for responding to National Disasters whenever the need arises. In the month of Jul 23 heavy rains struck Himachal Pradesh region, especially the upper reaches of the State. IAF sprang into action by deploying two Mi-17 V5, one Mi-17 1V and two Cheetah Helicopters. From 11 – 31 July 23 Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief ops in Himachal Pradesh, effected rescues in Chandratal and SamundarTapu Axis, air-dropping rations, medicines and essential supplies and deploying National/State disaster relief crew. The CM and senior leadership of the State were carried on board the helicopter to allow holistic assessment of the ground situation so that efficient and effective relief operations could be launched from the air as well as ground. Sustenance rations and essential medicines were delivered, literally at the doorstep of the stranded citizens in the inaccessible areas in Sainj Sector. In all, 116 sorties were flown utilizing 64 flying hours wherein a total of 30.145 Tons of relief material was dropped and 306 people were rescued. The operations were carried out Ex-Bhuntar in the Kullu Axis.

In mid-August 23, yet again, flash floods owing to cloud-burst in Himachal Pradesh resulted in severe damages in Fatehpur and Indora districts. Disaster relief operations in Himachal Pradesh were recommenced on 15 Aug 23. One Chinook helicopter deployed excavation equipment of the Engr Regt weighing 3T along with 18 Troops at Shimla to clear debris and assist in rescue at a temple that had collapsed. Two Mi-17 1V helicopters were deployed at Pathankot carrying out extensive rescue operations in the marooned areas which had been cut-off due to torrential rains and landslides. The timely response of IAF Mi-17 Helicopters as guardians from the sky rescued over 1000 civilians. Our Garuds also played a pivotal role in rescue ops by reaching out to the last citizen, be it winching or ground rescue. Immediate CASEVAC response was extended in rescue of two civilians by one Mi-17 1V in Kullu in a mission parallel to the other ongoing operations. The helicopters were de-inducted on 17 Aug 23. In all, 77 sorties were flown utilizing 39:30 hours and a total of 3 Tons of load was airlifted. These operations were carried out Ex-Pathankot airbase.

Starting 24 Aug 23, further requests were received from the state Govt for immediate relief ops in areas that were cut-off due flooding. The three-day effort was primarily focused towards airdrop of rations and pre-prepared food items. Close coordination between state Govt, DMs and air crew resulted in providing succor to vast belts in Mandi District. Four patients who were critical, were also airlifted to PGI, Chandigarh. In high-tempo flying missions over 20 T of food was air dropped or air landed by our Mi-17 aircrew.