IAF airlifts radars to fasten search operation in Wayanad

WAYANAD: Indian Air Force on Saturday airlifted one ZAWER and four REECO radars from Siachen and Delhi to fasten the search operations in the landslide-affected areas of Wayanad.

Taking it to a social media post on X, “#IAF helicopters Mi-17V5 and ALH continue their relentless efforts in Wayanad, with daring winching rescue by ALH from Sulur. Additionally, on the request of the state government, one ZAWER and four REECO radars from Siachen and Delhi have been airlifted by AN-32 for deep search missions. Essential services recovery is underway.”

Earlier, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan said on Saturday that so far, all the bodies have not been recovered and the focus is on rescue and relief.

#IAF helicopters Mi-17V5 and ALH continue their relentless efforts in Wayanad, with daring winching rescue by ALH from Sulur. Additionally, on the request of the state government, one ZAWER and four REECO radars from Siachen and Delhi have been airlifted by AN-32 for deep search… pic.twitter.com/yOBCRxgndj

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) August 3, 2024

“We are at a loss of words. This is an hour of crisis, an hour of tragedy. All our focus is on rescue and relief. So far, all the bodies have not been recovered. So rescue work is in operation. Wayanad presented a very brilliant example of the coordination between the central government and the state government. Army, Navy, Air Force, Coastal Guards, and NDRF reached at the spot in no time. They build a bridge so that ground zero can be accessed,” Governor Khan said.

“10,000 people are living in relief camps. After this emergency gets over, we will have to shift our focus to rehabilitation of these people,” he added.

The Kerala Governor also mentioned that the Prime Minister immediately gave instructions to all the agencies of the central government, particularly the defence forces, after getting information about the disaster.

In a display of coordination and bravery, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Indian Army, and Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday successfully rescued three personnel stranded at Soochipara Waterfalls, located in landslide-hit Wayanad district of Kerala.

#IAF helicopters Mi-17V5 and Chinook navigated through challenging weather in the Uttarakhand hills. Despite the inclement conditions, IAF helicopters have transported one ton of load, evacuated three patients requiring oxygen, and safely recovered forty three passengers,… pic.twitter.com/9Tms4v8rKg

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) August 3, 2024

During their morning combing operation along the river banks from Mundakai to Soochipara, the ICG search team sighted three individuals stranded near the waterfalls. The presence of the survivors was immediately reported to the control centre at Mepadi.

A coordinated land and air rescue operation was swiftly launched, involving ICG, Army, and IAF teams. The combined efforts of these forces, utilising both ground and aerial resources, resulted in the safe rescue of all three personnel.

The death toll from the massive landslides that occurred on July 30 in Chooralmala and Mundakkai of Wayanad stands at 308 as of Friday, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said.

As per the latest update, 215 bodies and 143 body parts were recovered, including 98 males, 87 females and 30 children. The post-mortem procedures were completed on 212 bodies and 140 body parts and 148 bodies have been identified by relatives so far. (ANI)