The Indian Air Force flying skills are being tested to the hilt in quake-hit Nepal. IAF helicopters and planes have been flying almost non-stop since Saturday to Kathmandu and other areas of Nepal, facing rough weather, badly damaged helipads, and the pressure of keeping the force of aircraft minimum on the landing ground in Kathmandu keeping in view the fragile situation of the earth there.
According to Ministry of Defense spokespersons Sitanshu Kar, pilots had to hold the a/c on power so as not to disturb the ground below. Besides, the helipad in Kathmandu was badly damaged and the helicopter could not be switched off. IAF has deployed 4 MI 17 V5 and 2 MI 17 helicopters in Nepal. Besides, India has sent C-130J, Il-76 and C-17 planes to Kathmandu with relief material, NDRF members and evacuate Indian nationals from Nepal.
So far 1179 people have been evacuated through C-130J, Il-76 and C-17 planes. Besides, IAF choppers have rescued 171 people in 21 sorties in Nepal.
“The IAF helicopters are flying almost non-stop since this morning,” tweeted Kar. Six persons were evacuated by one MI17 V5 of IAF from Dhuncha helipad, 50 km North of Kathmandu on Sunday. “Some more sorties r underway. The plan is to drop relief supplies in worst affected valleys in case landing is not possible,” Kar said.
Nepalese Army pilots are also flying on board Indian helicopters to familiarise the Indian pilots with the terrain. The IAF has carried out aerial recce in support of the Nepalese government under the guidance of the Nepalese Army. The worst affected districts are Gorkha, Dhading, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchok, Kavrepalanchok and Dolakha.
The Indian Army moved 5 Advanced light Helicopters and 2 Cheetah helicopters to Gorakhpur to be pressed in whenever needed. Soon after the earthquake, Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh, who besides being an officer of the Gurkha Rifles Regiment is also the Honorary Chief of the Nepalese Army, spoke to his counterpart, General SJB Rana in Kathmandu.
Army has sent two senior officers to Kathmandu to coordinate Indian Army’s relief efforts in synergy with Nepalese Army. They are presently carrying out reconnaissance of affected areas and road conditions. According to the Army, 18 medical teams have been earmarked. While six teams have been deployed, the rest are on standby.