On Friday, during rescue efforts in Wayanad, the Indian Army found four people alive in the rubble. The group included two men and two women who were located in Padavetti Kunnu. The rescue was carried out carefully to ensure their safety.
A casualty evacuation was arranged, using an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) to aid in the rescue. This quick response allowed the survivors to be evacuated promptly. One of the rescued women had a leg injury and received medical attention.
Kerala’s Additional Director General of Police (law and order), MR Ajith Kumar, said the revenue department is still working to find out how many people are missing and how many have been affected. “Over the past four days, we have been working with a joint team from the Indian Army, NDRF, local police, special operations groups, the fire force, the Coast Guard, and the Navy,” Kumar explained.
The Indian Army’s Southern Command has also made the Bailey Bridge at Choorlamal usable, which allows heavy equipment to move in. “The Indian Army quickly built the Bailey Bridge over the Iruvanipzha River at Chooralmala, speeding up rescue work in Wayanad. Ten specialized teams with rescue equipment, dog squads, and heavy machinery started searching in six areas: Punchirimattom, Mundekkai, School area, Chooralmala town, Village area, and Downstream,” the Southern Command said on X.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George reported on Friday that the landslides on July 30 have resulted in 308 deaths so far. This includes 195 bodies and 113 body parts.
Rescue and relief work is continuing, with the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and local officials helping to evacuate people and provide essential services and medical help. The Indian Air Force is sending a C-130 aircraft from Hindon air base to Wayanad, equipped with drones and experts to search for people trapped under the soil.
The landslides in Chooralmala and Mundakkai on July 30 caused extensive damage in Wayanad.