Wayanad (Kerala) [India], July 31 (ANI): The Indian Army has intensified its efforts to rescue people stranded after multiple devastating landslides struck Wayanad in Kerala on Tuesday, which took the lives of over a hundred people and injured many more.
The number of people who died in the landslides that struck the hilly areas of Meppadi in Wayanad district on Tuesday following incessant rainfall has gone up to 167, the Kerala Revenue Department said today.
According to sources from the Department of Information and Public Relations (PRD) Control Room in Wayanad, 96 victims have been identified, which includes 77 men, 67 women, and 22 children.
According to the Ministry of Defence, “the Army has set up a “Command and Control Centre” headed by Major General VT Mathew, General Officer Commanding, Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area, along with Brigadier Arjun Segan, at Kozhikode for coordinating HADR efforts.”
“Brigadier Segan carried out reconnaissance of the affected areas in the early hours today and guided the Army columns for further conduct of the rescue operation. The troops are conducting rescue operations along a six-kilometre stretch of landslide-affected areas,” the ministry said.
Further, the ministry stated that the Indian Army has intensified its rescue efforts in Wayanad, Kerala, after devastating landslides, rescuing around 1000 people, providing medical aid, and recovering the bodies of 86 deceased individuals.
“On the second day of humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations, the Indian Army intensified its efforts to rescue people stranded after multiple devastating landslides struck Wayanad in Kerala on July 30. Since the initial requisition received from the civil administration in the early hours of July 30, six HADR columns comprising a strength of around 500 personnel,, including medical staff along with bridging equipment and rescue dogs, have been deployed. Around 1000 people have been rescued by the Army, provided medical aid, and evacuated to safer places. The bodies of around 86 deceased personnel have also been recovered,” said the Ministry of Defence.
The troops forming part of the HADR columns were mobilised from Kannur, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram. Two columns each belonging to the DSC Centre, Kannur and 122 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) MADRAS, Kozhikode, having a total strength of 225 personnel, were the first responders and reached the location to commence rescue operations in conjunction with NDRF and other agencies.
Two additional HADR columns, including two medical teams with a strength of 135 personnel, were airlifted from Trivandrum to Kozhikode by AN-32 and C-130 aircraft; to further augment the rescue and relief operations.
The Kerala government had requested that the Army provide a bridging effort. In response, the Army’s Engineer Task Force from Madras Engineer Group and Centre (MEG and Centre), with a strength of 123 personnel, along with a set of 150-foot Bailey Bridges, three JCBs, and other support equipment, has been inducted into the affected area. Construction of a bridge on the Meepadi-Choormala Road is under progress, including the induction of certain earth-moving equipment to the other side of the stream utilising air effort. Construction of a footbridge was completed overnight on July 30-31.
A C-17 aircraft carrying another set of 110-foot Bailey Bridge from Engineers Stores Depot, Delhi Cantt, and three Search and Rescue Dog Teams have also landed at Kannur for further employment. Additional resource requirements are being assessed based on aerial and ground reconnaissance and the needs of the civil administration.
During the day, IAF helicopters undertook multiple sorties, dropping food items and other relief materials. Evacuation of civilian causalities was also executed from cut-off areas. Naval aviation assets provided due support for the transportation of SDRF and state administration officials. Multiple aircraft are on standby at Thiruvananthapuram, Sulur, and Thanjavur to provide air rescue at short notice.
Besides the aid in terms of medicine and first aid, ECHS Polyclinic, Kalpetta, is providing the services of doctors, nursing assistants, and ambulances to the flood operations columns.
The Indian Army remains steadfast to assist the stranded citizens and is working relentlessly to ensure the safety of all. The Army is committed to supporting the state of Kerala during this challenging time. The rescue teams are working tirelessly to provide relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. (ANI)
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