Wayanad landslide: Army mobilises 2 rescue columns, IAF helicopters for rescue operations

Adverse weather conditions are dampening the rescue efforts as several houses, shops and vehicles are buried under the debris in Mundakkai. A bridge to the spot has been washed away, further complicating rescue efforts.

Officials said that the columns were taking time to reach the disaster site due to heavy traffic on the way and incessant rain in the region.

Also Read | Wayanad Landslide: Death toll rises to 50, rescue operations hit by adverse weather

A statement from the Southern Command said, “Based on a requisition received from Kerala Government this morning for rescue of people stranded in a major landslide in Meppadi Panchayat, Vythiri taluk, Wayanad district, in Kerala, two rescue columns of Indian Army with a strength of approximately 200 soldiers from Defence Security Corps (DSC) Centre, Kannur, along with medical team from Military Hospital Kannur and troops from Territorial Army from Kozhikode has been deployed.”

The press release added that apart from two IAF helicopters, “two relief columns from Defence Security Corps Centre, Kannur, along with rescue equipment and other detachments have been mobilised for rescue and relief operations.”

Relief operations in Maharashtra’s Sangli in progress

Meanwhile in Sangli District of Maharashtra relief operations are currently in progress by an Army column with a damage assessment conducted along a 20-kilometre stretch of the Krishna river, involving local Disaster Management Authority (DMA), Superintendent of Police and the Municipal Commissioner.

Approximately 200 soldiers from Defence Security Corps (DSC) Centre, Kannur, along with medical teams and troops from Territorial Army, deployed for rescue operations. (Express Photo)

The Army has also set up a medical camp to assist people evacuated by district administration.

During the 2018 flood that caused major damages in the state, the troops from Southern Command had undertaken extensive disaster relief efforts across all affected districts in coordination with local administrations and state government.