Indian Army Deploys 500 Personnel, Sets Up Command Centre to Combat Wayanad Landslides

Kerala, India: In response to the devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, on July 30, 2024, the Indian Army has escalated its rescue efforts. Following a request from the civil administration, six HADR columns, comprising 500 personnel, medical staff, bridging equipment, and rescue dogs, were deployed. Approximately 1,000 people have been rescued, provided with medical aid, and evacuated to safer locations. The bodies of around 86 deceased individuals have also been recovered.  

A Command and Control Centre has been established in Kozhikode, led by Major General VT Mathew, General Officer Commanding, Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area, and Brigadier Arjun Segan, to coordinate the HADR efforts. Brigadier Segan conducted early reconnaissance of the affected areas and directed the Army columns in the rescue operations. Troops are conducting rescue operations along a six-kilometre stretch of the landslide-affected area.  

Additional HADR Columns Airlifted to Augment Operations  

The HADR columns were mobilized from Kannur, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram. Two columns from the DSC Centre, Kannur, and the 122 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) MADRAS, Kozhikode, with a total strength of 225 personnel, were the first responders and commenced rescue operations in conjunction with the NDRF and other agencies. Two additional HADR columns, including two medical teams with 135 personnel, were airlifted from Trivandrum to Kozhikode by AN-32 and C-130 aircraft to further augment the rescue and relief operations.

Responding to the Kerala State Government's request for bridging support, the Army’s Engineer Task Force from Madras Engineer Group and Centre (MEG & Centre), with a strength of 123 personnel, along with a set of 150 feet Bailey Bridge, three JCBs, and other support equipment, was inducted into the affected area. Construction of a bridge on the Meepadi – Choormala Road is underway, including the induction of certain earth-moving equipment to the other side of the stream utilizing air effort. A footbridge was completed overnight on July 30-31.  

Indian Air Force and Navy Provide Critical Support  

A C-17 aircraft carrying another set of 110 feet Bailey Bridge from Engineers Stores Depot, Delhi Cantt, and three Search and Rescue Dog Teams has also landed at Kannur for further deployment. Additional resource requirements are being assessed based on aerial and ground reconnaissance and the needs of the civil administration.

During the day, IAF helicopters undertook multiple sorties, dropping food items and other relief materials. Evacuation of civilian casualties was also executed from cut-off areas. Naval aviation assets provided crucial support in transporting SDRF and state administration officials. Multiple aircraft are on standby at Thiruvananthapuram, Sulur, and Thanjavur to provide air rescue at short notice. In addition to medicine and first aid, the ECHS Polyclinic in Kalpetta provides the services of doctors, nursing assistants, and ambulances to the flood operation columns.