Kerala Landslides: Massive Rescue Operations Underway

Heavy engineering equipment and rescue dog teams are being airlifted to aid victims of landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district. Kerala CM reported 93 deaths and 128 injuries. Indian Armed Forces, Coast Guard, and disaster relief teams are actively involved in rescue and relief operations, ensuring efficient aid distribution.

Heavy engineering equipment and rescue dog teams are being airlifted, and disaster relief teams dispatched by the Indian Coast Guard, to provide aid and succor to people following a series of landslides in Kerala's hilly Wayanad district early Tuesday.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reported 93 deaths and approximately 128 injuries due to the massive landslides in northern Wayanad, which have left behind a scene of destruction and despair.

''As this tragic disaster struck Wayanad in the early hours today, the Indian Armed Forces rapidly mobilized 300 personnel to commence rescue operations. Additional Army units, Navy teams, and Air Force helicopters were deployed later in the day to bolster the rescue and relief efforts. All-out efforts are underway as more troops, heavy engineering equipment, rescue dog teams, and essential relief supplies are being airlifted from Trivendrum, Bengaluru, and Delhi,'' the Office of the Raksha Mantri stated in a social media post.

In a separate post, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh mentioned speaking to Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi to review the ongoing rescue and relief work being undertaken by the Army units in the landslide-hit Wayanad.

The Defence Ministry also announced that the Indian Coast Guard's district HQ (Kerala & Mahe) and ICG station Beypore had dispatched disaster relief teams on Tuesday to the affected areas in Wayanad.

''The disaster relief team, comprising highly trained ICG personnel and a dedicated medical team, has been mobilized to provide immediate relief and support to the affected communities,'' the statement read.

The teams come equipped with essential disaster relief materials such as rubber inflatable boats for rescues, diesel-driven pumps to manage water and drainage issues, life jackets for safety, and raincoats and gumboots for personnel protection in adverse weather conditions, along with earth-clearing implements for debris removal and accessing affected areas.

The ICG has also dispatched food materials, drinking water, and other essential supplies to support the affected population. The distribution of these supplies is being coordinated with the district disaster management team to ensure efficient aid delivery. The ICG is closely collaborating with local authorities to mitigate the impact of this disaster,'' the statement added.

(With inputs from agencies.)