KOCHI: Several rescue agencies, including the Indian Army, Fire force, and NDRF intensified their rescue operations on Wednesday to trace people suspected to be trapped after massive landslides hit Kerala’s Wayanad district.
The landslides, which hit hilly areas near Meppadi early on Tuesday, have resulted in at least 157 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. The Army is working in close coordination with the NDRF and other agencies to carry out rescue operations in the affected areas.
IAF C-17 To Reach Wayanad With Equipment To Build Bailey Bridge
Indian Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster is being loaded with bridging stores, at the Hindon Indian Air Force (IAF) Station in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad which would leave for Wayanad for rescue operation.
The Indian Airforce’s C-17 carrying Indian Army personnel and parts and equipment for the construction of Bailey Bridge will arrive at Kannur International Airport around 11.30 AM from Delhi.
The operation will be coordinated by Captain Puran Singh Natha Vath of the Kannur Defense Security Forces (DSC). Bridge construction materials will be delivered to Wayanad in 17 trucks to boost the search and rescue operation in the landslide-hit district of Kerala.
Four columns from DSC Centre, Kannur, and 122 TA Battalion are conducting combined rescue operations alongside NDRF and State rescue teams. Approximately 1,000 individuals have been rescued, and around 70 deceased individuals have been recovered, so far.
The Indian Army formulated the action plan for Wednesday’s recue operation. All six columns will execute rescue operations in conjunction with NDRF and Civil Administration. Construction of a bridge on the Meepadi – Chooralmala Road will commence, including the induction of certain earth-moving equipment to the other side of the stream utilizing air effort. An aerial reconnaissance by Brigadier Seagan and the ETF Commander is planned for 09:30 hours. Additional resource requirements will be assessed based on aerial reconnaissance and the needs of civil administration.
Health minister Venna George will be reaching the hill district on Wednesday to take stock of the rescue operation.
Following the tragic incident, at least 45 relief camps have been established, accommodating 3,069 people.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the mountain district of Wayanad and all northern districts of Kerala, indicating extremely heavy rainfall within the next 24 hours.
India Army Carries Rescue Operations in Wayanad
According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), members of the fire and rescue, civil defence, NDRF, and local emergency response teams are involved in the rescue operations. Around 200 Indian Army personnel from DSC Centre Kannur and 122 TA Battalion from Kozhikode are also at the site. Along with this, two Air Force helicopters, a Mi-17 and an ALH, are also coordinating the rescue operations.
Apart from the four columns with a total strength of approximately 225 personnel, already deployed for the operation, two more columns consisting of at least 140 personnel are kept on standby in Thiruvananthapuram to be airlifted in case of an exigency.
The Army is also setting up a command-and-control centre at Kozhikode to coordinate HADR efforts.
Helicopter reconnaissance of the affected area is being undertaken and damage assessment is being carried out to channelise rescue operation in correct direction.
Besides the aid in terms of medicines and first aid, ECHS POLYCLINC Kalpetta is extending all possible help in terms of the Service of Doctor/ Nursing assistant and Ambulance service to the flood operation columns.
Schools, Colleges To Be Shut Today
In wake of the disaster, all educational institutions will remain closed on Wednesday, July 31. A holiday has also been declared in 11 districts – Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta, reported Onmanorama.
CM Vijayan Urges People to Avoid Travel To Wayanad
Following the devastating landslide in Wayanad that has already claimed the lives of at least 146 people and left 128 people injured, the Kerala government on Tuesday declared state mourning for two days.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state government is deeply saddened by the tragic incident that claimed numerous lives and resulted in the widespread destruction of homes and other property.
As per protocol, the National Flag will be kept at half-mast and all public functions and celebrations will be cancelled.
The chief minister also urged people to avoid unnecessary travel to Wayanad adding that the rescue operation was the priority.
“Kerala Bank has already contributed Rs 50 lakh to CMDRF. The Chief Minister of Sikkim has pledged Rs 2 crore, and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has promised Rs 5 crore in aid,” he said about the relief aid.
CM Chairs High Level Meeting
A high-level meeting was held on Tuesday under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to coordinate Wayanad rescue operations and discuss further steps.
The CM assessed the rescue operations and reviewed the coordination with the agencies under the central government, the deployment of disaster response forces, health and safety precautions and the facilities in the relief camps.
