Defense Minister Ranjnath Singh Deploys Army For Landslide Rescue In Wayanad

Defense minister Rajnath Singh has spoken with the army officials and has asked him to deploy forces for rescue operations and assistance in landslide hit areas of Wayanad district in Kerala. The army have reached the ground, reports. A total of 225 army officials has been deployed for rescue operations.

Heavy rainfall in Kerala has led to massive landslide killing at least 34, as per the local media reports. Rescue operations are progressing in the region. The Kerala government on Tuesday sought the assistance of the Indian army for rescue operations in the wake of devastating landslides in the Wayanad district.

Read also: Massive Landslide In Kerala’s Wayanad: At Least 24 Died; Hundreds Trapped

The army officials have said that the army received a requisition for providing aid to civil authority on Tuesday morning.

In response to the request, the army has mobilized four columns, including two columns ex 122 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) and two ex the DSC Centre, Kannur. They added that a team under the Second-in-Command along with a Medical Officer, two JCOs and 40 soldiers have mobilized to be deployed to aid in ongoing recuse efforts.

Mundakki, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages are among the worst affected areas. Two Air Force helicopters, a Mi-17 and an ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter), have also been put into service.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured him of all the help from the Centre to deal with the crisis. He has announced a compensation of Rs 2 Lakh for the families of the deceased and injured will receive an amount of Rs 50,000.

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Rescue operations were hindered due to incessant rain. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, “All possible rescue operations will be considered on the landslides in Wayanad”.