Wayanad: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Army Chief in the wake of landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad. The Indian Army has deployed four columns including two columns of 122 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) and two columns of DSC Centre, Kannur. The Army has deployed 225 personnel including medical personnel for search and rescue operations in Wayanad. Army Engineering Group joins rescue operations The Army’s Madras Engineering Group (MEG) will reach Wayanad from Bangalore soon to assist in rescue and related operations in the landslide-hit areas. The engineering department will deploy alternative systems to handle the situation. The decision was taken by revenue secretary and Major General V.T. Mathew, who oversees Kerala-Karnataka Army operations. The government is making all efforts to save people, CPI leader Annie Raja said. Talking about the Wayanad landslide, CPI leader Annie Raja said, “Tragedy has struck the people of Wayanad once again. Though the landslide occurred last night, reports suggest that rescue teams are still unable to reach some areas. The Kerala government is making all-out efforts to reach and rescue the affected persons. Ministers have already reached Wayanad and are meeting those admitted in hospitals.” Kerala minister Veena George said 4 bodies have been recovered from the site. Kerala Health Minister Veena George said search and rescue teams have recovered 24 bodies so far. The injured are being treated at various hospitals. George said Chief Minister Vijayan is personally monitoring the situation and giving instructions. Campaign continues near Meppadi village A massive landslide in Wayanad has severely affected Choorlamala, Attamala and Noolpuzha villages and cut them off from other places. Rescue operations are underway near Meppadi village. Rahul, Priyanka likely to visit Wayanad Congress MP KC Venugopal said party leaders are planning to visit landslide-hit Wayanad and both Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi are likely to visit the district.
