Army intensifies rescue operation

New Delhi, July 31: On the second day of the Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation, the Indian Army intensified its efforts to rescue people stranded after multiple devastating landslides struck Wayanad in Kerala on July 30.

Since the initial requisition received from the civil administration in the early hours of July 30, six HADR columns comprising 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 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 V T Mathew, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area along with Brigadier Arjun Segan at Kozhikode for coordinating HADR efforts.

Brigadier Segan carried out a reconnaissance of the affected areas in the early hours of today and guided the Army columns for further conduct of the rescue operation.

The troops are conducting rescue operations along a 6 km 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 the 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 Kerala government had requested the Army to provide a bridging effort.

In response, the Army’s Engineer Task Force from Madras Engineer Group and Centre (MEG and Centre) with 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 Meppadi-Chooralmala Road is under progress including the induction of certain earth-moving equipment to the other side of the stream utilising air effort.

Construction of a footbridge 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 have 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 materials.

Evacuation of civilian casualties was also executed from cut-off areas.

Naval aviation assets provided due support in the transportation of SDRF and state administration officials.

Multiple aircraft 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 in assisting the stranded citizens and is working relentlessly to ensure the 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.