Indian Army Concludes Rescue Operations in Wayanad, NDRF Takes Charge

A specialized team, including army personnel and officials, conducted a search operation in Soojippara. The Wayanad administration organized a farewell for the Indian Army after a ten-day mission. The operations will now be handled by NDRF, SDRF, Fire Force, and Kerala police as the battalion returns.

A specialized team of army personnel, SOG officials, and forest officials initiated a search operation at Sunrise Valley in Soojippara, deep within the forest, on Thursday. Concurrently, the Wayanad district administration organized a farewell ceremony for the Indian Army personnel who participated in the rescue and search operations in the landslide-affected regions of Kerala's Wayanad.

As the Indian Army concludes its ten-day-long rescue mission, the responsibility for continuing the operation will be transferred to the NDRF, SDRF, Fire Force, and Kerala police. Approximately 500 Indian Army personnel from Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Bengaluru are preparing to return. However, the maintenance team for the Bailey Bridge, temporarily constructed by the Indian Army, will remain on-site.

Col Paramvir Singh Nagra, in charge of the Army's Wayanad Mission, acknowledged the critical support provided by local residents and the administration. “This joint operation, led by Major General Mathew, was significantly bolstered by local volunteers from Wayanad and other districts in Kerala and Tamil Nadu,” Col Nagra remarked. He stressed the importance of establishing a temporary bridge to rescue people from the opposite side of the river, which enabled the evacuation of over 1,000 people on the very first day.

He further noted that the state government’s assistance was invaluable, providing manual labor and machinery such as JCBs to aid in the search of demolished homes. Though the army is departing, a contingent will remain to continue the operation. Meanwhile, IAF helicopters have been contributing to the ongoing search efforts, airlifting over 700 kg of relief materials, 8 civilians, and special operation teams since the disaster struck Wayanad on July 30.

The Chooralmala and Mundakkai regions in Kerala's Wayanad were ravaged by severe landslides on July 30, resulting in over 300 fatalities and extensive property damage. (ANI)