IAF helicopters deliver hope to landslide-hit Wayanad | WATCH
Every time the sound of the rotors echoes through the skies over landslide-ravaged parts of Kerala's Wayanad district, hope rises among those impacted by the nature's wrath.
Indian Air Force helicopters have been motoring on, supplying essentials on a war-footing and evacuating people from among the debris.
The video below shows Group Captain Prasanth, Wing Commander Nagesh and Wing Commander Jaissmon distributing food material, including drinking water, weighing around 250 Kgs in 100 packets provided by the Kozhikode district administration in worst-hit Chooralmala and Mundakkai.
IAF helicopters are conducting search and rescue operations in Wayanad despite adverse climatic condition and poor visibility.
The region, which has experienced relentless rainfall over the past two weeks, suffered catastrophic damage after a landslide struck, causing rivers and their tributaries to overflow and change course, resulting in widespread destruction. The first landslide occurred in Mundakkai, Mepadi panchayat, around 1:30 am, followed by a second landslide at 4 am on Monday.
The torrent of water flowing from Mundakkai to Chooralmala caused the Iruvazhinji River to divert, resulting in flash floods that devastated Chooralmala village. The landslides buried houses, uprooted trees, and swept away people. Stranded individuals in Mundakkai were rescued on Tuesday evening after the Army constructed a makeshift bridge across the river, replacing the original bridge connecting Mundakkai with Chooralmala and Attamala that was washed away.
The area suffered extensive damage, with houses buried, trees uprooted, and bodies found floating in the Chaliyar River in Pothukal village, located in the neighboring district of Malappuram. The Chaliyar River originates in Chooralmala, flows behind Mundakkai, and then passes through the Soochipara Falls before reaching Pothukal.
According to reports, bodies of individuals who were washed ashore and recovered from the riverbanks were found at various locations, including Iruttkuthi, Ambittanpotty, Kunippala, Njettikulam, Machikai, Bhoodanam, Vellilamad, Munderi, and Panangayam.