On the second day of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, the Indian Army has intensified its efforts to rescue people stranded following multiple devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala on 30 July 2024. Since the initial request received from the civil administration on the morning of 30 July, six HADR columns with a capacity of about 500 personnel including medical staff have been deployed with bridging equipment and rescue dogs. About 1000 people have been rescued, provided medical aid and evacuated to safer places by the Army. Bodies of about 86 deceased have also been recovered.
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 to coordinate HAD R efforts. Brigadier Segan took stock of the affected areas early this morning and guided the Army troops for further conduct of rescue operations. The troops are carrying out rescue operations in a six kilometre stretch of the landslide-hit areas.
The troops forming part of the HADR contingents were mobilised from Kannur, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram. Two contingents each from DSC Centre, Kannur and 122 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Madras, Kozhikode, comprising a total of 225 personnel, were the first rescuers to arrive and rushed to the location to launch rescue operations in coordination with NDRF and other agencies. Two additional HADR contingents including two medical teams with a strength of 135 personnel were moved from Trivandrum to Kozhikode to further enhance the rescue and relief operations.
The State Government of Kerala had requested the Army to join in the rescue and relief operations. In response, an Army Engineer Task Force from Madras Engineer Group & Centre (ME G & Centre) numbering 123 personnel has been deployed in the affected area with a 150 feet Bailey bridge, three JCBs and other supporting equipment. Construction of a bridge on the Meepadi-Choormala road is in progress, with some earthmoving equipment being moved to the other side of the stream using aerial effort. The construction of the foot bridge was completed in the night of 30-31 July.
Another set of 110 feet Bailey Bridge from Engineers Stores Depot, Delhi Cantt and a C-17 aircraft carrying three search and rescue dog teams have also landed in Kannur for further use. The requirement of additional resources is being assessed based on the aerial and ground investigation and the needs of the civil administration.
During the day, IAF helicopters flew several sorties to drop food and other relief material. Evacuation of civilians from cut off areas was also carried out. Naval aviation assets provided adequate support in transporting SDRF and state administration officials. Several aircraft are on standby in Thiruvananthapuram, Sulur and Thanjavur to provide air rescue at short notice.
Apart from assistance in terms of medicine and first aid, ECHS Polyclinic, Kalpetta is providing the services of doctors, nursing assistants and ambulances to the flood operation columns.
The Indian Army is determined to assist the stranded civilians and is working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all. The Army is committed to supporting the state of Kerala during this challenging time. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to provide relief and rescue operations in the affected areas.