How WWII-Era Bailey Bridges Are Assisting in Wayanad Rescue Efforts

Kochi: As devastating landslides in Kerala's Wayanad left communities in chaos, the once-bustling Mundakkai junction and Chooralmala town have been transformed into ghost towns virtually overnight. Flattened buildings, mud-filled potholes, and cracked land scattered with huge boulders have replaced what were once vibrant centers of activity.

Just hours before the landslides struck early Tuesday morning, these areas were lively hubs, filled with shops, homes, and concrete structures. The sudden destruction has left these places eerily silent and disconnected, with only remnants of daily life remaining.

In response to this calamity, the Army has deployed Bailey bridges—an engineering marvel first developed during World War II. Components for these temporary structures have been airlifted from various locations. A 110-foot Bailey bridge has been transported from Delhi to Kozhikode, while another 170-foot bridge is being assembled from supplies sent from Bengaluru. One of these bridges will reconnect the isolated areas of Chooralmala and Mundakkai.

The Chief Minister's Office said that the Army will construct a Bailey bridge for rescue operations in Wayanad's Chooralmala.

According to state minister K Rajan, an Army team from the Madras Engineering Group has begun assembling the bridge, which is expected to be completed by the evening. The bridge is vital for deploying excavators necessary for ongoing rescue efforts. While some components were airlifted, others were transported by road. The Army estimates that it will take approximately four to five hours to complete the bridge.

What Is a Bailey Bridge?

Bailey bridges were first developed by the British during World War II, between 1940 and 1941. These truss bridges are designed to be assembled without specialized tools, and their components are easily transportable, making them ideal for temporary and emergency use.

Named after Donald Bailey, a British civil servant who initially faced rejection for his prototype, the Bailey bridge became essential during the war. The design was finally approved after its successful use during the Dunkirk evacuation. Bailey bridges were capable of supporting heavy loads, including tanks. British Field Marshal Viscount Bernard Montgomery famously stated, "Without the Bailey Bridge, we should not have won the war." Today, these bridges continue to be invaluable in disaster response and infrastructure projects.

Wayanad Landslide Death Toll Nears 160

The deadly landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district have claimed around 160 lives, injured over 200, and left more than 180 people missing. The landslides, occurring between 2 am and 4:10 am on Tuesday, destroyed over 300 homes in Mundakkai and Chooralmala. Rescue operations are underway with the Army, Navy, and NDRF working to locate survivors and recover bodies from the debris.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government is closely overseeing the situation and has pledged full support. Local survivors have shared distressing accounts of losing their homes and loved ones.