Wayanad: The devastating landslide that struck Wayanad has left a trail of destruction and death. Despite the challenges and risks involved, locals and rescue forces have shown courage and brotherhood in their efforts to reach and recover those affected.

The massive rescue operation, involving the Army, Navy, NDRF and state government, has been ongoing since the disaster struck. Additional teams of soldiers, medical teams and equipment have been deployed to aid in the efforts, with Indian Air Force helicopters also dispatched to the affected area to help and provide food and other essentials.

"We are doing our best to recover as many bodies as possible," said an Army official.

However, the scale of the disaster was so severe that the rescue equipment felt insufficient, prompting locals and forces to use sacks and mundu (dhoti worn by Malayali men) to carry dead bodies and body parts found at Pothukal and Chaliyar River.

Locals and the forces trekked kilometres down the risky terrain, including the dense Nilambur forest, to reach the affected areas. 

Despite the risks, including chances of landslides and presence of wild creatures, they found around 34 dead bodies from the forest and river, with many more still believed to be trapped. The forces are planning to use more JCB machines to further dig out bodies from the mud-covered and distorted houses.

A local rescue worker said, “There are still dead bodies in many parts of the river, and more inside if we search for them." 

He added that they were asked to return because of the adverse weather conditions and because of wild animals roaming around in that area. 

So far, over 160 bodies have been recovered, with more than 200 still missing. The rescue efforts are expected to continue for several more days.