Wayanad Landslides: Army's Heroic Rescue Saves Around 1,000 Lives

Military personnel intensified search and rescue operations in Kerala's Wayanad district on Wednesday, following landslides that have claimed over 160 lives. The Army reported recovering more than 80 bodies and rescuing nearly 1,000 people. Heavy rainfall triggered the landslides early on Tuesday, resulting in at least 167 deaths and over 200 injuries. Additionally, 191 people remain missing.

Army's Coordinated Efforts

The Army has established a Command and Control Centre in Kozhikode, led by Maj Gen VT Mathew and Brig Arjun Segan, to coordinate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts. Brig Segan conducted a reconnaissance of the affected areas early Wednesday and directed the Army columns for further rescue operations. Troops are conducting rescue missions along a six-kilometre stretch of the landslide-affected region.

Two HADR columns, including medical teams with 135 personnel, were airlifted from Thiruvananthapuram to Kozhikode using AN-32 and C-130 aircraft. The Army's Engineer Task Force from Madras Engineer Group and Centre (MEG & Centre), consisting of 123 personnel, along with Bailey bridges, earthmovers, and other support equipment, have been deployed to the affected area. Construction of a bridge on the Meepadi-Choormala Road is underway, with earthmoving equipment being transported across the stream using air support.

Initial Response and Additional Support

The first responders included two columns each from the Defence Security Corps (DSC) Centre in Kannur and the 122 Infantry Battalion Territorial Army (Madras) in Kozhikode, totalling 225 personnel. These troops commenced rescue operations in collaboration with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies. A C-17 aircraft carrying another set of a 110-feet Bailey bridge from Engineers Stores Depot in Delhi Cantonment, along with three search and rescue dog teams, landed in Kannur to assist further.

Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters conducted multiple sorties throughout the day to drop food items and other relief materials. Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal A P Singh stated during a press conference that their assets are currently deployed, including helicopters and equipment for the Army. "Our assets are deployed right now, and we have also transported some things of the Army, bridges and some equipment," he said. "Helicopters are also deployed. Yesterday, due to weather conditions, flying was very less, but today operations are on."

Challenges Due to Adverse Weather

Adverse weather conditions due to continuous rain have posed significant challenges in the area. Despite these difficulties, all-out efforts are being made to provide immediate relief and support to those impacted by the disaster. The evacuation of civilian casualties from cut-off areas has also been executed by the Army.

Naval aviation assets have supported transporting State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel and administration officials. Multiple aircraft remain on standby in Thiruvananthapuram, Sulur, and Thanjavur for air rescue operations at short notice. Besides medical aid and first aid services provided by ECHS Polyclinic in Kalpetta, doctors, nursing assistants, and ambulances are assisting flood operation columns.

The Army continues to assess additional resource requirements based on aerial and ground reconnaissance as well as civil administration needs. Efforts are ongoing to ensure that immediate relief reaches the local populace affected by this disaster.