Incessant rains triggered flooding in the hilly district, which caused massive landslides resulting into mudslides that buried hundreds of houses and people. (Photo via X)
Kochi/New Delhi: Kerala’s hilly district of Wayanad continues to grapple with the aftermath of devastating landslides that have claimed 164 lives, so far, and left nearly 200 missing. Authorities said the death toll is expected to rise sharply in the coming few days as hope is fast fading for those trapped under the mud and debris.
The catastrophe, triggered by incessant rainfall, has transformed once serene landscapes into scenes of unimaginable destruction.
The armed forces have launched a massive search-and-rescue operation to locate survivors trapped beneath the debris. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force have deployed their expertise and resources to support the civil administration in this daunting task.
#wecare #WayanadLandslides
— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) July 31, 2024
In a remarkable display of coordination, the #IndianArmy, @indiannavy, @IAF_MCC & @IndianCoastGuard rescued Over 5,500 people; More equipment & troops to join soon in #Wayanad #RescueOps. pic.twitter.com/Bf2WFUyaR6
After the Kerala government’s request on Tuesday, the Army deployed six columns of personnel comprising around 500 personnel, including medical staff along with bridging equipment and rescue dogs for the operation. Among the personnel deployed are specialized engineering units equipped with heavy machinery to clear the landslides and access remote areas.
#WayanadLandslide
— Southern Command INDIAN ARMY (@IaSouthern) July 31, 2024
Maj Gen VT Mathew, AVSM, YSM, General Officer Commanding Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area reached #Meppadi Village in #Wayanad District and took charge of Rescue Operations. He briefed Shri Arif Mohammed Khan, Honourable Governor of #Kerala and other civil… pic.twitter.com/034VsgWeGg
Teams of trained personnel are working tirelessly to extract survivors from the rubble, employing advanced search and rescue techniques. On Wednesday, the Army said they have rescued 1,000 people from the affected area and relocated them to safer locations. It also recovered 86 bodies.
The Indian Air Force has pressed its aerial assets into service for reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, and dropping relief supplies. Surveillance aircraft are providing real-time imagery to aid rescue operations, while helicopters are engaged in critical airlifting tasks. The Air Force’s medical teams are also on standby to provide emergency medical care.
Despite adverse climatic condition & poor visibility, the #IndianAirForce Helicopters conducted search & rescue operations in #Wayanad rescuing stranded people from narrow strip of land.@giridhararamane #WayanadLandslide pic.twitter.com/6YAxWRNlEa
— PRO Defence Trivandrum (@DefencePROTvm) July 30, 2024
The Indian Navy, with its expertise in disaster relief, is extending support to the coastal areas affected by the landslides. Naval ships and aircraft are being deployed to help as required. The Navy’s medical teams are also on standby to offer medical aid and support to the affected population.
#WayanadLandslides#Indiannavy continues rescue Ops with other disaster relief forces. Extensive search for survivors through mud & recovery of bodies in progress. 01 Team deployed at river base to maintain supply of food/provisions. Other teams deployed with #IndianArmy & #NDRF. https://t.co/X8ksFQvnCV pic.twitter.com/idOzZcst88
— Southern Naval Command (@IN_HQSNC) July 31, 2024
Apart from the armed forces, the Centre has deployed nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to Wayanad. In fact, they were the first central HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief) personnel to reach the disaster sites and started their search-and-rescue efforts along with Kerala state agencies a week ago.
#NDRF Teams are on the Ground in Wayanad, continuing search and Rescue operations after the landslide. Efforts to save lives and Provide aid are Ongoing. #Wayanad #NDRF #RescueOps pic.twitter.com/JokoronrFF
— 04 Bn NDRF ARAKKONAM?? (@04NDRF) July 31, 2024
