IAF saves life, flies Gurez boy to Srinagar hospital

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 2

The Indian Air Force evacuated an ailing boy (9) from snowbound Gurez in Bandipora district and saved his life. The road to Gurez is cut off from the rest of the Valley due to snow.

Srinagar-based defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said Taufik, 9, who lives in Gurez, suffered acute pain as a result of appendicitis on January 31 night and needed immediate medical care.

“Due to the non-availability of adequate medicare in the area, he had to be evacuated to Srinagar for treatment. The message for evacuation was received at the Air Force Station, Srinagar, at night. The crew along with a helicopter was put on standby. However, bad weather at Gurez prevented the helicopter from getting airborne the next morning,” the defence spokesman said.

He said the helicopter was then put on another assignment.

“On its way back from the assignment, the helicopter crew received a message that the weather at Gurez had improved to marginal. The helicopter was diverted to the landing site. After successful landing, Taufik and his father were picked up despite continuous snowfall and low clouds and evacuated to Srinagar,” the spokesman said.

“Prompt action by the IAF and its highly motivated crew saved a young life. Taufik is now recuperating at a medical facility in Srinagar,” he said.