Kerala landslides: Indian Air Force deploys two choppers for rescue ops in Wayanad

New Delhi [India], July 30 (ANI): Indian Air Force deployed two choppers- a Mi-17 and one ALH Dhruv- for rescue and relief operations in Wayanad in coordination with the state government and National Disaster Relief Force, IAF officials said on Tuesday.

The choppers have been sent from the Sulur air base in Coimbatore from the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.

The army deployed 200 soldiers from the Defence Security Corps while a team of Navy personnel from the Ezhimala Naval Base in Kannur are also assisting in rescue operations in the landslide-hit areas of Wayanad.

Two teams from the Kannur Army Cantonment comprising around 200 Indian Army personnel were dispatched to the disaster-hit district. 122 TA Battalion reached Wayanad post noon and joined the rescue and relief operation.

A team of 30 specialist swimmers from the Indian Navy have also been deployed, the Defence PRO said. Earlier in the day Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to the Army chief and asked him to mobilise forces for assistance and rescue in landslide-hit areas in Kerala.

Kerala government had requested the Indian Army to deploy its Dog Squad for rescue operations in Wayanad. In response, the Dog Squad from Meerut Remount Veterinary Corps Centre (RVC) will be arriving to assist in search efforts. Additionally, a Forest Department drone is assisting in the search efforts, the Kerala Chief Minister’s office said in a statement.

In response to a requisition from the Kerala Government, the Indian Army launched two relief columns from the Defence Security Corps (DSC) Centre in Kannur, to rescue approximately 250 individuals likely stranded in a major landslide in Vyithiri Taluk, Wayanad, a statement from the Southern Command of the Indian Army said.

“The columns also include medical detachments from Military Hospital Kannur and infantry troops from the Territorial Army. Equipped with advanced rescue gear, the teams are prepared to provide all necessary assistance to ensure the safe evacuation of the stranded personnel,” the Army said in a statement. Teams from NDRF are also engaged in the rescue operations.

According to the office of the State Revenue Minister K Rajan, at least 63 people were dead and a total of 116 people are reported to be injured in the landslides that hit the district in the early hours today.

The Meppadi, Mundakkai Town and Chooralmala areas have suffered destruction in the landslides triggered by torrential rain. Buildings, including shops and houses, have been buried and vehicles swept away by the massive landslides.

The State Health Minister Veena George’s office said that temporary hospital facilities will be established at a mosque and madrasa in Chooralmala, Wayanad, to aid in the ongoing relief efforts.