Army Concludes Ten-Day Rescue Mission in Wayanad, Prepares for Transition

Kalpatta|  After completing a ten-day rescue mission in the disaster-hit areas of Wayanad such as Mundakai and Churalmala, the army is set to return. The government and district administration will bid farewell to the departing soldiers, who will hand over ongoing rescue operations to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire Force, and Police forces.

A battalion of 500 army personnel from Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Bengaluru is returning. However, a temporary Bailey bridge maintenance team will stay in the area, and the helicopter search team will continue operations until further notice.

Continued Rescue Efforts and Transition

The army’s coordinated rescue efforts have been instrumental in managing the immediate aftermath of the disaster. Their departure marks a transition, with local and national emergency response teams taking over the remaining tasks. The NDRF, SDRF, Fire Force, and Police forces are fully equipped to handle the ongoing rescue and rehabilitation operations.

Despite the army’s departure, key elements of the rescue mission will remain active. The temporary Bailey bridge maintenance team is crucial for maintaining connectivity in affected areas. Additionally, the helicopter search team will continue their efforts to locate and assist stranded individuals.

Preparations for Prime Minister’s Visit

Security measures are intensifying ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit on Saturday. Higher Education Minister R. Bindu will arrive in Wayanad today to oversee preparations and coordinate ongoing efforts. The state has received an official notification of the Prime Minister’s visit, which has been communicated to the Chief Secretary and the Protocol Section.

Prime Minister Modi will land at Kannur and travel to Wayanad by helicopter. The Special Protection Group (SPG) will finalize his itinerary based on their assessment of the situation on the ground.

Humanitarian Impact and Rehabilitation Efforts

The disaster has taken a heavy toll on Wayanad, with 413 confirmed deaths so far. There are currently 1,968 people housed in 16 relief camps. The government is actively working to find rental houses for their rehabilitation, ensuring that displaced families have secure and stable living conditions as they rebuild their lives.

Acknowledgment of the Army’s Contribution

The government and district administration’s farewell to the army highlights the gratitude and recognition for the soldiers’ dedication and bravery. Their swift and effective response has saved countless lives and provided crucial support during a time of crisis.

Looking Forward

As the army departs, the collaborative efforts of the NDRF, SDRF, Fire Force, and Police forces will continue to ensure the safety and recovery of the affected communities. The focus now shifts to long-term rehabilitation and rebuilding, with a commitment to restoring normalcy and providing support to those impacted by the disaster.

The ongoing efforts and the Prime Minister’s visit signify the united front presented by various government agencies and the resilience of the people of Wayanad in the face of adversity.

The successful transition from army-led rescue operations to local and national emergency response teams marks a new phase in the disaster management efforts in Wayanad. The continued support and coordinated efforts will be vital in the weeks and months ahead as the community works towards recovery and rebuilding.