IAF Helicopter Airlifts 85-year-old Paralysed Woman After Heavy Snowfall Blocks Himachal Roads

Shimla: After heavy snowfall cut off all road connectivity, an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter airlifted an 85-year-old paralysed woman in a critical condition and with no medical help from the remote village of Dhanderwari in Himachal Pradesh to Chandigarh.

Amid active snowfall and poor visibility, the rescue operation was carried out at an altitude of around 9,000 feet above mean sea level.

What did IAF say?

The IAF on Sunday shared a video on X, that shows how the woman was evacuated using a stretcher.

The video, which shows the woman being carried on a stretcher to the Cheetah helicopter, was shared with the caption, "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," IAF further wrote.

Sharing update about the health of the 85-year-old paralysed woman, the IAF said that "the woman is stable after receiving timely medical assistance."  

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.… pic.twitter.com/u1bewb6lgh

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) February 1, 2026

What about wildfire in Manipur?

In Manipur, the IAF is carrying out relief operation to control a fire that broke out in Dzukou Valley spanning Nagaland and Manipur about three days ago.  

The IAF helicopters have supplied nearly 40,000 litres of water to help extinguish the massive fire over a span of three days.

Where the air thins, resolve holds firm.
At 9,500 ft over Manipur, IAF’s Mi-17 V5s have battled fire, wind and low visibility—delivering 40,000 litres of water over three relentless days.
Vigilant in crisis, steadfast in duty.#HADR #Manipur@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD… pic.twitter.com/UnQXuidn3c

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) February 1, 2026

Taking to X, the IAF shared pictures from the relief operation with the caption, "Where the air thins, resolve holds firm. At 9,500 ft over Manipur, IAF’s Mi-17 V5s have battled fire, wind and low visibility—delivering 40,000 litres of water over three relentless days. Vigilant in crisis, steadfast in duty."