Indian Army evacuates pregnant women in earthquake-hit Nepal

KATHMANDU: The timely evacuation by Indian Army today saved the lives of three pregnant women in quake-hit Nepal.

The Advanced Light Helicopter of Indian Army Aviation, operating in Gandaki Valley was suddenly given message to divert to Baluwa of Gorkha district of Nepal to evacuate three pregnant ladies, who were in critical state.

The information was provided to the pilots by an ex-British Gorkha officer who was in touch with a volunteer agency of foreign medicos from Canada, France and Germany operating in Baluwa region.

The volunteer passed the message to the Gorkha officer through a Singaporean Army officer.

Based on the coordinates provided by the medicos, the pilots successfully identified the medical camp and managed to land in the restricted space available on the hill side, defence sources here said.

"Finally, the pregnant ladies were evacuated to Pokhara safely along with other patients including two infants with fractures for further treatment to hospital," the sources added.