Kupwara, Jan 29 (JKNS): The District Administration Kupwara on Thursday airlifted three critically ill patients from Tangdhar to Kupwara, providing major relief to residents who had been facing severe hardships due to heavy snowfall and prolonged disruption of essential services in the Karnah region.
The emergency evacuation was carried out in extremely challenging weather conditions, highlighting the importance of timely medical intervention in this remote border area.
At the same time, several other patients were referred to Kupwara by road after the Sadhna–Chowkibal road was reopened this afternoon following clearance from Beacon 109 RCC. The road had remained closed for five days due to heavy snowfall, with snow accumulation reaching nearly eight feet at Sadhna Top, located at an altitude of around 12,000 feet.
The Beacon team has been widely praised by civil society and local residents for their relentless efforts in clearing massive snow stretches under harsh weather and freezing temperatures.
Many residents and community members have expressed gratitude, acknowledging the team’s dedication and commitment to restoring connectivity in one of the most difficult terrains of Kupwara district.
Despite the relief, officials confirmed that only one helicopter sortie was conducted today due to unknown reasons, leaving several stranded passengers and patients still awaiting air evacuation.
Locals have expressed concern over the limited number of sorties, stating that a single helicopter mission is inadequate for an area with a population of nearly one lakh. Residents emphasized that Karnah often remains neglected during emergencies and urged authorities to ensure maximum helicopter sorties in future medical crises to save lives in time.
In another significant development, electricity supply was restored in Karnah today after a prolonged four-day outage.
The restoration has brought much-needed relief to households and essential services. Residents have also appreciated the hard work of the Power Development Department, especially daily wage workers, who continued restoration efforts amid heavy snowfall, biting cold, and difficult working conditions.
According to Block Medical Officer (BMO) Karnah, Dr Mohd Arif Khawaja , a total of six patients were shifted on January 29, including three airlifted and three referred through road ambulances.
Airlifted patients
Ab Hamid Khan
Soni Begum
Mohd Ibrahim Khan
Mohd Ilyas Mir (Attendant)
Residents across Tangdhar and Karnah have welcomed the restoration of road connectivity and power supply, calling it a step toward normalcy after days of isolation.
However, they continue to appeal to the administration to strengthen emergency medical evacuation services, increase helicopter sorties, and ensure that this strategically important border region receives timely attention during future crises. (JKNS)
