Mobilization of the Indian Defense Forces for rescue operations in the Wayanad landslide
Wayanad, Kerala, July 30, 2024: The Indian Army has launched extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations in support of the affected communities in the wake of devastating landslides that hit the Wayanad district of Kerala. These range from setting up control centers to even making available air support from the Indian Air Force for rescue and relief operations.
Impact of the Landslide
He confirmed the toll and further added that landslips, which happened near Meppadi, have resulted in the tragic recovery of 93 bodies and left 128 people injured. The natural calamity displaced many residents, and more than 3,069 people are currently sheltered in 45 relief camps across Wayanad. The Chief Minister appointed five ministers to oversee the coordination of these relief and rescue operations and asserted that the government is highly committed to helping the affected people.
Mobilisation of Defence Forces
The rescue operations by the Indian Army began as early as 10:30 AM following a request for assistance that came in at about 4:30 AM. First response teams comprising two HADR columns from the DSC Centre in Kannur and two more from the 122 TA Battalion, Kozhikode, reached Muppidi, Wayanad, by 12:30 PM and stood ready for rescue operations.
On the request of state governments, the Army is moving in a 690-foot Bailey bridge to reconnect the broken road. The first 330 feet of this bridge is already being moved from the MEG Centre here in Bangalore. While the remaining would be airlifted from Delhi Cantonment. In addition, two more columns of the 91 Infantry Brigade from Trivandrum are still standing and waiting for airlift by the IAF.
Control Centers Opened
A Control Centre at Kozhikode is being established to orchestrate the HADR efforts in the affected area. This centre would be headed by Brigadier Arjun Segan, Commandant of the Para Regimental Training Centre, and will provide for communication and logistics to integrate the agencies involved in rescue and relief.
122 TA Battalion teams are fully involved with the NDRF in damage assessments and rescue operations. This cooperation is much needed so that the relief operations can be carried out effectively and the benefits of relief reach those in dire need.
Engineering and Additional Resources
Infrastructure restoration in the affected areas is out of the question without personnel and rescue operations, let alone engineering resources. On its part, the Indian Army has sent three 110-foot Bailey bridges and three JCBs from Bengaluru. Of these, one Bailey bridge was airlifted from Delhi, while further engineering resources will be mobilized based on assessments conducted by the Engineer Recce Team.
The Army engineering corps is fully trained and equipped for any type of emergency. Vital infrastructure is quickly brought back on stream so that relief supplies and medical aid reach the affected population in time.
Air Support and Logistics
The Indian Air Force has played an important role in rescue operations. Airlift operations taken included the transportation of two columns of 140 personnel with supplies from Trivandrum to Kozhikode, airlifting one 110-foot Bailey bridge, and three search and rescue dogs from Delhi.
Apart from this, helicopters are on reconnaissance missions to determine damage estimates and further resource requirements. These air operations complement ground efforts by making them more efficient, so that no assistance lags behind in reaching the hardest-hit areas.
Medical Aid and Community Support
The military response notwithstanding, the local health institutions are also equally enthused about rendering their bit of medical aid to needy cases. The ECHS Polyclinic Kalpetta is making available necessary medical care, including the availability of doctors, nursing assistants, and ambulance services. Community members in need of medical aid may contact the following contact numbers.
The joint efforts of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the civil administration at ground level demonstrate strong will to take on board every measure that can be done to extend support to the people in Kerala at this hour of crisis. The Indian Army pledged to sustain the relief and rescue operations while monitoring the emerging situation in Wayanad.
Conclusion
The Indian Defence Forces, therefore, are playing a very vital role in rescuing the affected communities and providing humanitarian assistance as the rescue operations go on in Wayanad. The commitment to swift action, comprehensive coordination, and efficient deployment of resources shows that only a united response can effectively deal with natural disasters.
The situation is still dynamic, with updates to be issued as further developments take place. The strength bunched together in the communities hit by disaster and the arsenal of activities by the Indian Army and other agencies reflect the country’s resilience and oneness during hard times.
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