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Kerala: The Indian Army has ramped up its Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief operations in Kerala’s Wayanad district, where devastating landslides struck on July 30, 2024.
Six HADR columns, comprising around 500 personnel including medical staff, have been deployed along with bridging equipment and rescue dogs. As of the second day of operations, the Army has rescued approximately 1,000 people, providing them with medical aid and evacuating them to safer locations. Tragically, the bodies of around 86 deceased individuals have also been recovered.
A “Command and Control Centre” has been established in Kozhikode, headed by Major General VT Mathew and Brigadier Arjun Segan, to coordinate the HADR efforts. The troops are conducting rescue operations along a six-kilometre stretch of landslide-affected areas. Additional HADR columns and medical teams having a strength of 135 personnel were airlifted from Trivandrum to Kozhikode to augment the rescue and relief operations.
In response to the Kerala State Government’s request, the Army has deployed an Engineer Task Force from Madras Engineer Group and Centre, comprising 123 personnel along with a set of 150-foot Bailey Bridge, three JCBs and other support equipment that has been inducted into the affected area. Construction of the Meepadi – Choormala Road is under process, while a footbridge was completed overnight on July 30-31.
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
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 in the 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 Southern Naval Command has dispatched a disaster relief team of 68 personnel from INS Zamorin at Ezhimala to the affected site. An ALH detachment in SAR configuration was also deployed from Kochi to Calicut to augment the rescue efforts. The Navy has additional teams on standby for deployment at short notice.
Despite challenging weather conditions due to persistent rains, the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force remain committed to supporting the state of Kerala during this crisis. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to provide relief and conduct rescue operations in the affected areas.
Also Read: Wayanad landslide: Death Toll Reaches 153, Search for Missing Continues
Also Read: Kerala CM Vijayan Refutes Amit Shah’s ‘Early Warning’ Claim on Wayanad Landslides Disaster
Also Read: Home Minister Amit Shah Debates on Wayanad Landslides Disaster in Parliament
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