In the massive landslides that hit Wayanad district five days ago, more than 1,300 rescuers, heavy machinery and sophisticated equipment were sent into the devastated area on Saturday morning in the early hours of the search for survivors. Over 200 people have been killed due to the landslides.

Along with volunteers, private firms that specialise in search and rescue have joined forces with the army, police and emergency services units to lead these operations.

Huge logs and boulders that were carried by landslides and dumped in the residential neighbourhoods of Mundakkai and Chooralmala, are making it extremely difficult for rescue workers to find persons who are thought to be buried beneath the debris.

In the early hours of July 30, a huge landslip that struck the Wayanad district resulted in as many as 210 deaths and 273 injuries. Rescue workers are searching through damaged homes and structures while contending with unfavourable conditions, such as wet soil, for some 300 persons who are thought to be missing.

On Friday, the district administration created zones within the landslide-affected areas, used GPS to map possible locations for rescue efforts, and collected aerial photos and cell phone location data. In addition, they have employed cadaver dog teams and ground penetrating radar to search for bodies concealed beneath the rubble.

Ambulances and several medical personnel, both from the military forces and the general public, have been stationed nearby to offer prompt assistance to any survivors who may be discovered.

So far, rescue attempts have relied mostly on the 190-foot-long Bailey bridge, which was built by the army on Thursday and turned over to the Wayanad government. Until a permanent bridge is constructed in the area, the bridge that has made it possible for heavy gear and ambulances to travel to the areas affected by landslides will remain in use. Additionally, rescue efforts are still ongoing throughout the 40-kilometer Chaliyar River stretch that passes through the districts of Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode.

(with inputs from PTI)