Intensified Rescue Efforts in Wayanad After Devastating Landslides

Military personnel, alongside rescue teams, are conducting extensive search and rescue operations in Kerala's Wayanad district after deadly landslides claimed over 100 lives. The Army has recovered approximately 70 bodies and rescued around 1,000 people. Heavy rains triggered the disaster, leaving at least 132 dead and more than 200 injured.

Military personnel on Wednesday intensified search and rescue operations in Kerala's Wayanad district, following devastating landslides that have claimed over 100 lives. The Army reported recovering around 70 bodies so far and rescuing nearly 1,000 people.

Extremely heavy rain triggered landslides in Wayanad's hilly areas early Tuesday, resulting in at least 132 deaths and over 200 injuries.

Four columns from the Defence Security Corps Centre, Kannur, and 122 TA Battalion, are conducting combined rescue operations with the National Disaster Response Force and state rescue teams, a senior Army official stated.

Two Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief columns, including medical teams, were airlifted from Trivandrum to Kozhikode. They arrived at Kozhikode airport late Tuesday and stayed overnight, according to the Army.

Fuel and other essential supplies are planned to be moved by road, officials said.

Brig Arjun Seagan, Commandant of the PARA Regiment Training Centre, arrived with his team late Tuesday night to conduct a reconnaissance of a potential bridge site. They established a control center for coordinating relief efforts, supported by the DSC Centre commandant.

Heavy engineering equipment and rescue dog teams were airlifted, and disaster relief teams were dispatched by the Indian Coast Guard on Tuesday.

The state government has requested the deployment of a 690-feet Bailey bridge. Currently, 330 feet of the bridge is being transported by road from Bengaluru, with the remaining parts airlifted from Delhi Cantonment, according to the Army's late Tuesday statement.

The Indian Army is working closely with state authorities to ensure swift and effective relief operations, officials added.

The construction of a bridge on the Meepadi-Chooralmala Road will commence, including the induction of essential earthmoving equipment using air support, the Army stated on Wednesday.