Wayanad, Kerala, India: In the course of rescue operations, the Indian Army in Wayanad has successfully located and extricated four individuals, including two men and two women, from a devastating rumble on Friday.
The rescued individuals were found stranded in the Padavetti Kunnu area of Wayanad. The operation was meticulously planned and executed, ensuring the safety of all involved.
A coordinated casualty evacuation was initiated, with an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) deployed to facilitate the rescue efforts. The prompt response and flawless execution of the operation led to the timely evacuation of the stranded individuals, according to the officials.
The Army has reported that one of the rescued females sustained injuries to her leg and received the necessary medical attention.
Kerala's Additional Districts and Police Chief, MR Ajith Kumar, has stated that the revenue department is in the process of gathering data to determine the exact number of individuals affected and those who remain missing.
Over the past four days, a comprehensive operation has been underway in the area. A joint team comprising the Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, special operations groups, fire services, Coast Guard, and Navy have been actively engaged in operations across various locations.
The Southern Command of the Indian Army has also facilitated the reopening of the Baily Bridge at Choorlamal. This development will enable the movement of heavy earth-moving machinery and excavators.
In a remarkable display of engineering prowess and professional acumen, the Indian Army's Engineer Task Force has swiftly constructed the Bailey Bridge over the Iruvanipzha River at Chooralmala. This bridge has significantly expedited rescue operations in Wayanad. To further enhance the efficiency of the rescue efforts, ten specialized teams, equipped with all the requisite rescue equipment, including canine units and heavy earth-moving machinery, have been formed. These teams have commenced their search and rescue operations early morning across six designated zones: Punchirimattom, Mundekkai, School area, Chooralmala town, Village area, and Downstream.
Kerala's Health Minister, Veena George, has confirmed a total of 308 fatalities resulting from the multiple landslides that struck Wayanad on July 30. Minister George has also reported that 195 bodies and 113 body parts have been recovered thus far.
The rescue and relief efforts, coordinated by the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and the civil administration, are in progress at various locations. These efforts are aimed at facilitating the quick evacuation of the affected individuals and providing them with essential amenities and medical assistance.
The Indian Air Force has announced its intention to fly C-130 aircraft from Hindon Air Base to Wayanad. These aircraft will carry specialized drone systems and a team of experts for sub-soil evacuation monitoring. These drone systems are designed to locate individuals trapped beneath the soil.
Furthermore, two significant landslides have struck Chooralmala and Mundakkai areas of the Meppadi region in Wayanad, causing extensive damage and loss of life.
