IAF rescues paralysed elderly woman from 9,000 ft snowbound Himachal

February 2, 2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out an urgent medical evacuation of an 85‑year‑old, paralyzed woman from a remote snow‑bound area in Himachal Pradesh’s Dhanderwari village located at about 9,000 feet above sea level. The mission came after heavy snowfall blocked all road access to the region.

Airlift Operation Amid Heavy Snowfall

An IAF Cheetah helicopter flew into the high‑altitude, snow‑covered terrain with low visibility conditions and successfully airlifted the elderly woman to Chandigarh for urgent medical care. The rescue team carried her on a stretcher through deep snow before boarding her onto the aircraft. Officials reported that she is stable after receiving timely treatment.

Challenging Weather Conditions

The rescue took place amid active snowfall, which had cut off road connectivity in large parts of Himachal Pradesh. The mission demonstrates the IAF’s capability to operate in extreme weather and terrain to carry out life‑saving evacuations.

Human Interest and Video Coverage

The IAF’s official social media post included video footage showing the careful evacuation of the paralyzed woman in harsh winter conditions. The visuals highlight the effort and precision involved in such difficult rescue missions.