NDRF and Indian Army Rescue Efforts in Wayanad After Landslides
After severe landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, Piyush Anand, Director General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), reported that four teams are actively rescuing people. He stated, “We responded immediately. The situation is still unfolding. It’s a very bad disaster which has happened.”
Anand explained that the main challenge was a washed-away bridge, which made setting up a rescue center difficult. Despite the mud and slush, the teams carried heavy equipment on their backs and used rope rescue techniques to save people.
Currently, 12 NDRF teams are in Kerala, with four in Wayanad. The Indian Army and Air Force are also assisting, with the Army building a Bailey bridge and the Air Force delivering food to trapped people. Anand emphasized the cooperative effort among various agencies.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the main priority is rescuing missing persons and initiating rehabilitation. He chaired a high-level meeting with political leaders, state ministers, and officials to address the situation.
According to the Kerala Revenue Department, two massive landslides struck Mundakkai and Churalmala in Wayanad on July 30, causing extensive destruction and loss of lives. NDRF DIG Mohsen Shahidi reported over 200 deaths, with bodies being recovered on Thursday.
Doubts Revealed
NDRF -: NDRF stands for National Disaster Response Force. It is a special team in India that helps people during big emergencies like floods, earthquakes, and landslides.
Indian Army -: The Indian Army is the land-based branch of India’s military. They protect the country and also help during natural disasters.
Wayanad -: Wayanad is a district in the state of Kerala, India. It is known for its beautiful hills and forests.
Landslides -: Landslides happen when a lot of rocks and soil suddenly slide down a hill or mountain. They can be very dangerous and cause a lot of damage.
Kerala -: Kerala is a state in the southern part of India. It is known for its beautiful backwaters, beaches, and hills.
Director General -: A Director General is a high-ranking official in charge of an organization. In this case, Piyush Anand is the head of the NDRF.
Bailey bridge -: A Bailey bridge is a type of portable, quickly assembled bridge. The Army uses it to help people cross rivers or gaps when regular bridges are damaged.
Air Force -: The Air Force is a branch of the military that uses airplanes and helicopters. They help in emergencies by delivering supplies and rescuing people.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state. Pinarayi Vijayan is the Chief Minister of Kerala.