The devastating landslide that struck Wayanad district, Kerala, has claimed 93 lives and left 128 injured. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced these figures today while outlining the extensive relief and rescue operations underway.

Disaster Overview and Initial Response

Vijayan described the landslide as a “heart-wrenching disaster” caused by extreme rainfall. He confirmed that 3,069 people are currently sheltered in 45 relief camps in Wayanad, with a total of 118 camps across Kerala housing 5,531 individuals. Many are still trapped under debris, prompting an urgent response from various agencies.

Also Read

Indian Army’s Extensive HADR Operations

In response to the crisis, the Indian Army has mobilized significant resources:

Initial Mobilization

  • The request for assistance was received at 0430h, with official requisition at 1030h.
  • Early deployments included two HADR columns from the Defence Security Corps (DSC) Centre Kannur and two HADR teams from the 122 TA Battalion, Kozhikode.

Deployment Details

  • DSC Centre Kannur: Two HADR columns and two medical teams departed at 0830h, approaching the site.
  • 122 TA Battalion, Kozhikode: Two HADR teams and one medical team arrived in Muppidi, Wayanad, by 1230h.

Engineering and Additional Resources

  • A 690-feet Bailey bridge is being deployed, with parts moved from the Madras Engineer Group (MEG) Centre in Bangalore and airlifted from Delhi.
  • Two additional columns from the 91 Infantry Brigade in Trivandrum are on standby, to be airlifted by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Control Centre Establishment

  • A Control Centre is being set up in Kozhikode under Brigadier Arjun Segan to coordinate HADR efforts.

Ground Updates

  • The 122 TA Battalion is assisting the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) with rescue and damage assessments.
  • DSC Centre columns are en route to the affected areas.

Engineering Resources

  • Three 110-feet Bailey bridges and JCBs are being transported from Bangalore, with one bridge airlifted from Delhi.
  • Additional engineering resources will be mobilized based on ongoing assessments.

Air Support

  • The IAF is airlifting two columns with supplies from Trivandrum to Kozhikode, and one 110-feet Bailey Bridge along with search and rescue dogs from Delhi.
  • Helicopter reconnaissance is being conducted to assess damage and resource needs.

Medical Support

  • The ECHS Polyclinic Kalpetta is providing essential medical aid, including doctors, nurses, and ambulances. Contact: 9492305388 / 9446510778.

The Indian Army remains committed to supporting Kerala during this challenging time, coordinating closely with state authorities to provide effective relief and rescue operations.