Efforts Intensify in Wayanad as Kerala Battles Nature's Wrath

Kerala Health Minister Veena George reports extensive rescue operations in Wayanad amidst post-mortem and DNA analysis of disaster victims. Intensive care units are on standby, and rescue missions are in full swing with the Army, Air Force, and local teams. A yellow alert for heavy rains has been issued for multiple districts.

Kerala is ramping up its rescue and relief operations in Wayanad, as Health Minister Veena George confirmed that post-mortem procedures have been conducted on 199 bodies so far. In a Facebook post, George also stated that DNA samples from 130 body parts had been collected.

ICUs are on standby in Wayanad hospitals, including Manjeri Medical College and Kozhikode Medical College, to offer intensive care to those rescued. Meanwhile, the Indian Army discovered four survivors, two men and two women, during rescue operations. One female survivor required immediate medical attention due to leg issues.

The rescue efforts have accelerated following the construction of a Bailey Bridge by the Indian Army over the Iruvanipzha River. Ten specialized teams equipped with rescue apparatus and dog squads began combing operations early this morning across six zones: Punchirimattom, Mundekkai, School area, Chooralmala town, Village area, and Downstream. The Indian Air Force is also involved, deploying a C-130 aircraft with specialized drone systems for sub-soil evacuation monitoring.

According to Brigadier Arjun Segan, additional strength of sniffer dogs and local volunteers have been integrated into search operations on this fourth day of the mission. The bridge constructed last evening has enabled vehicular movement to resume upslope. Rescue and relief efforts, coordinated by the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and civil administration, continue to ensure quick evacuation and provision of basic amenities and medical assistance.

The regional meteorological department has issued a yellow alert for heavy rains in Wayanad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod.