The teams of 122nd TA Battalion actively assisted the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in rescue operations. | PTI Photo
Following the devastating landslide in Wayanad district of Kerala, the Indian Army launched extensive Humanitarian Relief and Disaster Management (HADR) operations to help the affected communities. These included setting up a control centre and airstrikes by the Indian Air Force.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said 93 bodies have been recovered and 128 people injured after massive landslides hit hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district. He further said 3,069 people are in 45 relief camps in Wayanad alone and five ministers are coordinating relief and rescue efforts.
Under Initial Response and Mobilization, the Indian Army was engaged in rescue operations since 10.30 am. However, they had received the request for assistance around 4.30 am. Earlier, two HADR columns of Defence Security Corps (DSC) Centre from Kannur and two HADR teams of 122 TA Battalion from Kozhikode had been deployed. Two HADR teams (strength 2-2-40) and one medical team (strength 1-0-3) reached Muppidi, Wayanad at 12.30 pm.
Under the Engineering and Additional Resources, the state government had requested deployment of a 690-foot long bailey bridge. Currently, up to 330 feet of the bridge is being shifted from the Madras Engineer Group (MEG) Centre, Bangalore, by road. The remaining portions are being airlifted from Delhi Cantonment. Two additional columns of the 91 Infantry Brigade in Trivandrum are on standby and will be airlifted by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
A Control Centre is also being set up at Kozhikode under the Commandant of the Para Regimental Training Centre, Brigadier Arjun Segan. This centre will coordinate all HADR efforts on the ground.
The teams of 122 TA Battalion actively assisted the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in rescue operations and damage assessment. The Indian Army worked closely with the state authorities to ensure quick and effective relief operations.
Three 110 ft Bailey bridges and three JCBs also departed from Bengaluru. One 110 ft Bailey Bridge was airlifted from Delhi and additional engineering resources will be mobilised based on assessments by Engineer Recce Team.
The Indian Air Force’s air efforts saw the airlift of two columns (140 strong) of supplies from Trivandrum to Kozhikode, a 110-foot Bailey bridge and three search and rescue dogs from Delhi to Kozhikode and a helicopter reconnaissance by the Engineer Recce Team to assess the damage and determine further resources required.
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The Indian Army remains committed to supporting the state of Kerala during this challenging time. Our teams are working tirelessly to provide relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. We are continuously monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as required.
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First print: Jul 30, 2024 | 11:38 PM IST