Wayanad landslide: Weather is adverse, but rescue ops are underway, say armed forces

Kalpetta: The 122 TA Infantry Battalion of the Indian Army is currently engaged in rescue operations in Wayanad, where heavy rains triggered a series of massive landslides killing 45 persons in the wee hours of Tuesday. The team, comprising two officers, two Junior Commission Officers and 40 jawans, are part of the rescue operations. 

Despite the heavy rains, efforts are being undertaken to rescue those who are trapped under debris following the landslides. “Of course the weather conditions are adverse. However, we’re trained for such situations, and we have started our operations,” said Lt Colonel Viswanath, one of the officers of the 122 infantry, while speaking to Mathrubhumi English over phone. 

Two relief columns from the Defence Security Corps Centre in Kannur, equipped with rescue equipment and additional detachments, have been deployed for rescue and relief operations in the affected areas. According to the official release, two helicopters from Air Force Station Sulur have been dispatched for rescue operations, despite adverse weather conditions. The helicopters will resume operations as soon as possible to support disaster relief efforts.

Meanwhile, the Army's engineering group has also started for the landslide-hit Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas of Wayanad. The Madras Engineering Group (MEG) was despatched from Bengaluru. The decision to engage the MEG was based on discussions held by the Revenue Secretary with Major General V T Mathews, who is in charge of Kerala-Karnataka sub area, as per the directions of the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.  

The Chief Minister has suggested using drones and police dogs for rescue operations. Rescue operations are mainly taking place at Chooralmala. The Fire Force is trying to go to Mundakkai for rescue operations. As the phone signal is low in the forested area, more information about those who went on the rescue mission is not available at present.

Navy to arrive

A Navy team will also arrive from Ezhimala in Kannur for rescue operations in the district. Navy's help was requested as per the instructions of the Chief Minister. The Navy's River Crossing Team will be engaged soon.

Meanwhile, NDRF, Fire Force and a team of police have reached the disaster site and are continuing the rescue operations. 

About 101 people have been rescued so far. Six of them are in the ICU. Two people are in critical condition. Camps were opened at Bathery St Mary's SKMJ School and Kalpetta SKAJ School. Medical teams have been deployed in both the camps.

The landslides, which occurred early on Tuesday, have resulted in widespread destruction, including damaged houses, swollen water bodies, and uprooted trees. The villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha have been isolated, leaving numerous individuals stranded due to the severe weather conditions.