On the second day of Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief operation, the Indian Army has intensified its efforts to rescue people stranded after multiple devastating landslides struck Wayanad in Kerala on 30th July 2024. Since the initial requisition received from the civil administration in early hours of 30th July, 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 the safer places. Bodies of around 86 deceased personnel 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 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 six kilometre stretch of landslide affected areas.
The troops forming part of the HADR columns were mobilised from Kannur, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram. Two columns each belonging to DSC Centre, Kannur and 122 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) MADRAS, Kozhikode having a total strength of 225 personnel were the first responders and reached location to commence rescue operations in conjunction with NDRF and other agencies. Two additional HADR columns including two medical teams having 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 State Government of Kerala had requested the Army for providing bridging effort. In response, Army’s Engineer Task Force from Madras Engineer Group and Centre (MEG & Centre) with a strength of 123 personnel along with a set of 150 feet Bailey Bridge, 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 induction of certain earth moving equipment to the other side of the stream utilising air effort. Construction of a foot bridge was completed overnight on 30-31 July.
A C-17 aircraft carrying another set of 110 feet Bailey Bridge from Engineers Stores Depot, Delhi Cantt and three Search and Rescue Dog Teams has also landed at Kannur for further employment. Additional resource requirements are being assessed based on the aerial and ground reconnaissance and needs of the civil administration.
During the day IAF helicopters undertook multiple sorties dropping food items and other relief material. Evacuation of civilian causalities was also executed from cut off areas. Naval aviation assets provided due support in transportation of SDRF and state administration officials. Multiple aircrafts 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 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 safety of one and 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.
