In the massive landslides that hit Wayanad district four days ago, 40 rescue teams began search operations on Friday, despite the rain and difficult terrain, according to officials. The search and rescue operations, which began early in the morning, were boosted by the completion of the 190-foot-long Bailey bridge, which will allow heavy machinery, including excavators and ambulances to reach the most devastated Mundakkai and Chooralmala hamlets, according to officials.
The 40 rescue teams will undertake search operations in six landslide affected zones, which includes Attamala and Aaranmala (first), Mundakkai (second), Punchirimattam (third), Vellarimala village (fourth), GVHSS Vellarimala (fifth), and riverbank (sixth).
The joint teams will include members of the army, NDRF, DSG, Coast Guard, Navy and MEG, as well as three locals and one forest department employee.
In addition, the authorities’ rescue plan calls for a three-pronged search operation, with an emphasis on the Chaliyar River.
The eight police stations along the 40-kilometer stretch of Chaliyar will work with local swimming experts to search the river for bodies that may have floated downstream or become caught along the riverbanks. A police helicopter will also be used in a separate search effort.
Apart from this, the Coast Guard, Navy, and Forest Department would collaborate on a search operation focussing on riverbanks and locations where remains could be stuck, according to the rescue plan.
State Revenue Minister K Rajan announced a day ago that a drone-based radar from Delhi would come on Saturday to find victims buried in the muck. He further stated that six dogs are now assisting in the search operation, with four more expected to arrive in Wayanad from Tamil Nadu.
(with inputs from PTI)