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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 July 23, heavy rains struck the 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 the 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 the 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 to flooding. The three-day effort was primarily focused on airdrop of rations and pre-prepared food items. Close coordination between the state Govt, DMs, and aircrew 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.
The details of the air effort undertaker are appended below in the tabular format:-
DATES SOR HRS PAX LOAD T HIGHLIGHTS 11 – 15 Jul 59 28:53 259 13.535 Mi-17 1V Helicopters were used in extensive relief ops Ex Pathankot in Indora and Fatehpur sectors. Patients were also evacuated to CG. Chinook was used to drop the Excavator at Shimla. 19-23 Jul 42 27:15 26 9.85 Critical msn for the medical team along with medicines, and relief materials were inducted at Shakti remote location over river opening by Mi-17 V5. Also, patients were rescued and emergency food packets were dropped in a flooded area of Kullu Manali sector. Sorties for the Cabinet Committee were also undertaken. Cheetah helicopters were used for Aerial recce and supply drop in Sainj Sector. 29 – 31 Jul 15 7:50 21 7.11 Mi-17 V5 was used in Emergency ration supply both by landing and
free drop.15-17 Aug 76 40:15 1027 3 Food packet drops were carried out from the Mandi to the Balichowki sector. MEDEVAC of 4 patients was carried out from Kullu to Chandigarh. 24 – 27 Aug 44 15:55 11 21.271 Food packet drops were carried out from the Mandi to the Balichowki sector. MEDEVAC of 4 patients were carried out from Kullu to Chandigarh. TOTAL EFFORT 226 SORTIES 115 HRS 1330 CITIZENS 45 TONNES 
