Days after the devastating landslides ravaged Wayanad in northern Kerala district claiming the lives of hundreds, the Indian Army, who have been deeply involved in the rescue operations for the past nine days has begun to partially withdraw from the region. The Army's role in the search and rescue efforts has been pivotal notably including the construction of a crucial Bailey bridge that has reinstated connectivity for the affected isolated communities.
Kerala Public Works Department (PWD) Minister P A Mohamed Riyas announced the Army's partial withdrawal, expressing gratitude for their service. "It is difficult to see them leave after working together like one body and mind," Riyas said at a press briefing held at the District Collectorate. He emphasized the emotional challenge of bidding farewell to the Army, which had come to the district's aid during a time of immense distress, according to the report.
The 190-foot-long Bailey bridge, built by the Army in record time, was pivotal in accelerating rescue efforts in the severely affected Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas. These regions were among the hardest hit by the landslides and had been completely cut off from the rest of the district.
While most of the Army contingents will now return to their bases, a small team will remain on-site to maintain the Bailey bridge and continue assisting with search operations in the more inaccessible areas of the district, particularly in the dense forests along the Chaliyar River.
One of the Army officers present at the press briefing reassured the people of Kerala that although the majority of their forces were leaving, their hearts remained with the people of Wayanad and Meppadi. "We are thankful to the ministers, local administration, police, emergency service personnel, and the people for all their support," the officer stated, as per the report.
The Army had deployed several contingents to Wayanad following the landslides that struck on July 30, obliterating large swathes of the hill district. Their efforts have been widely praised, and the bridge they constructed has been instrumental in reconnecting isolated areas, enabling continued relief efforts.