Tragedy in Wayanad: Rescue Operations Intensify Amid Landslide Devastation

The death toll in Wayanad's landslide has risen to 150. Over 500 personnel are conducting rescue efforts, battling adverse weather. A bridge reconstruction aims to aid operations, with airlifting planned once conditions improve. Over 1,000 individuals have been evacuated, and rescue efforts continue.

The death toll in the Wayanad landslide tragedy has climbed to 150 as of July 31 morning. Army, NDRF, police, forest officials, and volunteers, totaling around 500 to 600 personnel, have been pressing on with rescue operations, said Brigadier Arjun Seagan, Commandant of the Para Regimental Training Centre.

Efforts are being made to rebuild a bridge to facilitate faster movement of earth-moving equipment and expedite the digging process. Brigadier Seagan explained, "Rescue operations have been ongoing since yesterday morning, but bad weather hampered efforts. Today, we have more than 500 personnel on the field trying to rebuild the bridge and assist manually."

Airlifting will commence once weather conditions improve. "As soon as conditions improve, we will start airlifting individuals. So far, 150 deaths have been recorded, and around 200 to 250 individuals rescued, receiving first aid. With the rain stopping, there is less danger now," Seagan added. The rescue efforts will likely continue through today and tomorrow.

Earlier today, the Indian Army intensified rescue operations, evacuating more than 1,000 people from affected areas. The Army's Southern Command confirmed that up to 1,000 individuals had been rescued using makeshift bridges. Indian Army Columns, combined with NDRF, state rescue teams, Coast Guard, Navy, and IAF, are working tirelessly to address the crisis.

Two additional Army Columns were flown in from Thiruvananthapuram by the Indian Air Force's AN 32 and C 130 aircraft, landing at Calicut on Tuesday evening. These troops began their journey to Wayanad early Wednesday. An Engineer Task Force from the Madras Engineer Group and Centre arrived at 2:00 AM. Plans for a class 24, 170 Ft bridge at Chooralmala are underway, with reconnaissance at Meppadi-Chooralmala Road ongoing. Essential bridging assets, including Bailey Bridges and JCBs, are en route. An Army Control Centre is set up at Mepaddi, co-located with the State Administration Control Room under the guidance of the PARA Regimental Centre Commandant.

Despite challenging climatic conditions, Indian Air Force helicopters conducted search and rescue missions, rescuing people stranded on narrow land strips, ANI reported.

(With inputs from agencies.)