On Friday, the Indian Army successfully rescued four individuals—two men and two women—trapped in the rubble in Padavetti Kunnu, Wayanad. The rescue operation, carried out with meticulous precision, ensured the safety and well-being of the rescued individuals.
Rescue Operation Details
The stranded individuals were located in challenging conditions, prompting a well-coordinated rescue effort. An Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) was deployed to assist in the evacuation, facilitating a swift and efficient rescue. The Army’s intervention included providing medical assistance, with one of the rescued women receiving treatment for a leg injury.
The rescue mission was part of a broader operation involving multiple agencies. The Kerala ADGP (Law and Order), MR Ajith Kumar, reported that the revenue department is still gathering data to account for all individuals affected and missing. Over the past four days, a joint effort by the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, Special Operations Groups, fire force, Coast Guard, and Navy has been ongoing across various areas.
Engineering and Infrastructure Support
A significant development in the rescue operations was the activation of the Baily Bridge at Chooralmala by the Indian Army’s Southern Command. This bridge facilitates the movement of heavy earth movers and excavators, crucial for rescue and recovery operations. The bridge construction over the Iruvanipzha River has notably accelerated the response efforts.
The Southern Command also formed ten specialised rescue teams equipped with necessary apparatus, including dog squads and heavy earth-moving equipment. These teams conducted combing operations in six designated zones: Punchirimattom, Mundekkai, School area, Chooralmala town, Village area, and Downstream, ensuring thorough and effective search and rescue efforts.
Ongoing Crisis and Casualty Report
Kerala Health Minister Veena George confirmed that the recent landslides in Wayanad, which struck on July 30, have resulted in 308 confirmed deaths. This figure includes 195 bodies and 113 body parts recovered so far. The rescue and relief operations, coordinated by various agencies, continue to focus on evacuating stranded individuals, providing basic amenities, and offering medical assistance.
Additional Support
To enhance the rescue operations, the Indian Air Force is deploying a C-130 aircraft from Hindon Air Base to Wayanad. This aircraft will carry specialised drone systems and a team of experts for sub-soil evacuation monitoring. The drones will assist in locating individuals trapped under the soil, further supporting the rescue mission.
Impact of the Landslides
The catastrophic landslides at Chooralmala and Mundakkai in the Meppadi region of Wayanad have caused widespread devastation. The rescue operations aim to address the immediate needs of affected residents and to restore normalcy in the region.