New Delhi, 02 August (HS): The rescue work has almost been completed by the forces in Wayanad. The search for 'life' has been started with the help of trained dogs in the houses turned into rubble after the landslide from Friday, but mostly dead bodies are being found, which are being handed over to the local administration. Amid bad weather, rising water level and limited space, the Madras Sappers of the Indian Army have completed the construction of a 190 feet Bailey bridge with a capacity of 24 tonnes in a record time of 16 hours and opened it for traffic. The Army has handed over this bridge connecting Choorlamala to Mundakkai on the Iruvanipazha river to the civil administration.
The rescue and relief operations started after the landslide in Wayanad have almost been completed. The search for survivors or dead bodies has now started in the debris-turned-populated area. The Army resumed the search operation with the dog squad at 7:00 am today. The Army said in a statement that Human's Best Friend works shoulder to shoulder with humans to find humans trapped under the debris in Wayanad. Three Labrador dogs of the Indian Army, Jaki, Dixie and Sarah, are engaged in the search for life without getting tired or caring about mud or rain. The three search and rescue dogs of the Indian Army are inspired by their unwavering commitment to their mission and are looking deep into the debris and silt with their unmatched power of smell.
The Madras Sappers of the Army, demonstrating their indomitable spirit and commitment, have completed the construction of a 190 feet Bailey Bridge of 24 tonne capacity within a record time of 16 hours to connect Choorlamalla, which was cut off from the mainstream, with Mundakkai. The Bailey Bridge was handed over to the civil administration and the High Earth Movement Equipment was shifted to the other side. The civil administration is controlling the movement of vehicles after a meeting held at DC Wayanad office today. Major Sita Shelke, Combat Engineer, is leading the squad carrying out rescue and relief operations at one of the landslide affected locations in Wayanad.
Two medical teams comprising 2 officer doctors and 10 personnel from Pangode Military Station Trivandrum are providing immediate medical assistance to the injured in the Wayanad disaster. The medical team is providing first aid while facilitating rescue operations and relief material in coordination with local authorities and disaster relief teams. Indian Air Force's Dhruv (ALH) helicopter team delivered 400 kg of relief material while two medical teams from Pangode Military Station provided relief and medical aid to the injured in Wayanad.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) District Headquarters (Kerala and Mahe) and ICG Station Beypore are actively engaged in the ongoing disaster relief operations in Wayanad in coordination with the State Administration, Indian Army, Indian Navy, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Rescue Services, local police and various voluntary groups. The ICG team comprising 35 personnel led by ICG Deputy Commandant Vivek Kumar Dixit is carrying out rescue operations in Choorlamalla and nearby villages. The team has assisted several civilians stranded in the disaster areas and helped in shifting them to safer places and relief camps. The team is also engaged in clearing debris in search of survivors and missing persons.
ICG Commandant Amit Uniyal informed that to augment the ground efforts, the Coast Guard Air Enclave has deployed an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) from Calicut and is on standby to augment the rescue efforts as well as airdrop relief material. Additionally, ICG Ship Abhinav is being dispatched from Kochi to Beypore carrying life saving equipment, relief material, medicines and fresh water. These supplies will be distributed to various disaster relief camps in Wayanad. Despite challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain, the ICG is committed to assist the local people and the district administration.
