Kerala Police’s Heroic Response in Wayanad

 The unexpected landslide that wiped off a serene piece of land in Wayanad district has put untold agony in the minds of the common people in our society. Though the heavy rainfall in the State is no longer startling as it has become a part of climate change nowadays, this incident of landslide was a blow to the public which caused heavy damage to the land and life of the people. Wayanad district, which is known for its lush green landscapes and hilly terrain, thus faced one of the worst landslides in the wee hours of July 30, 2024. The landslide was a result of incessant rainfall, thereby causing massive soil displacement, resulting in the burial of two villages, schools, post office and many dwelling units under debris. Roads were rendered impassable, communication lines were severed, and many families were trapped in isolated pockets with no access to food, water, or medical aid. The situation called for immediate and coordinated action, and the Kerala Police rose to the occasion with remarkable efficiency and dedication, as usual. As soon as the landslide was reported, the Kerala Police swung into action in the affected area. The initial hours were critical, as lives were at stake, and the terrain made rescue operations extremely challenging.

Special Operation Group (SOG), a well-trained wing of the Kerala Police, was the first force to reach the spot. They erected a temporary bridge in place of the bridge that washed off, which helped the rescue workers to reach the barren land. Unfortunately, this bridge was also damaged in the subsequent heavy downfall of water in the stream. SOG later worked in tandem with the Local Police, Malabar Special Police, Kerala Armed Police, Quick Reaction Team, India Reserve Battalion, etc, apart from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and local volunteers. Efforts put forward by the canine squad of the Kerala Police, often known as K9 squad was also laudable. Murfi, Maya and Angel, three Police dogs that were trained to locate deeply buried dead bodies helped to dig human mortals from the debris.

Rescue operations in the affected area were intense and required meticulous planning. The State Government deputed M R Ajith Kumar, a senior IPS Officer in the rank of Additional Director General of Police to work in close coordination with the district administration and to streamline the rescue operation. Another senior IPS Officer K Sethu Raman was nominated as Onsite Incident Commander to oversee the rescue operation. Senior Police Officers located in the nearby districts and Commandants of various other Police establishments were pressed into service along with 800 plus Police officials in Wayanad district. Furthermore, an equal number of men were pushed to nearby Malappuram district. A Special Control Room was opened within a few hours of the incident at the Police Headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram under the direct supervision and control of Dr Sheikh Darvesh Saheb, State Police Chief. Under his personal supervision, a team of Police Officers worked round the clock in the Special Control Room to monitor and supervise the rescue operations.

The specialized wing of the Kerala Police that deserves a special mention in the rescue operations is the High Altitude Training Centre team (HATC). This 14-member team of the Kerala Police is a dedicated one which is trained in rescue and retrieval operations in hilly and mountainous terrain. They dared into venture onto the hilly terrain where accessibility was zero for others. Their work was particularly challenging, as it required not only physical endurance but also emotional strength.Rescue operations in Wayanad were undertaken with utmost dedication and challenge. Continual rainfall rendered the terrain unstable, increasing the risk of additional landslides. As the motorable roads were washed off, reaching far off places was a difficult task. Despite these obstacles, the Kerala Police remained steadfast in their mission. They improvised and adapted to the situation, often using alternative routes and methods to reach the affected areas. The men deployed in the team have put in endless hours of selfless service with no food and rest, to rescue their brothers and sisters under the rock and mud. Police also helped the district administration in setting up and managing relief camps for the displaced.

They coordinated for the distribution of food, water, medicines, and other essential supplies, ensuring that the basic needs of the affected population are not hampered. The Kerala Police instituted special surveillance and patrolling in the relief camps to boost the courage and mental strength of the people. Through their press releases and social media pages, they have put light on various measures undertaken by them in the affected area. Along with the other uniformed forces, the Kerala Police have also emerged as true heroes, demonstrating unwavering courage and dedication in the face of adversity. Their efforts in the rescue and relief operations were fundamental in saving lives and providing much-needed support to the affected communities. With the support extended by the Government and the public, they exemplified the spirit of selflessness and duty, earning the respect and gratitude of the entire state and the nation. Their contribution during this crisis will be remembered as a shining example as to how the Police can go beyond its conventional role to serve humanity in times of need.