NEW DELHI: The Army has rescued over 23,000 people as part of its ‘Operation Madad’ to rescue stranded people in flood-hit Kerala, according to the defence ministry.
All the three wings of the armed forces along with the Coast Guard and
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been working round the clock to rescue stranded people from various districts of Kerala.
As part of the operation, the Army has so far provided medical aid to over 2,000 people. It has also restored the connectivity at 42 locations, cleared 22 landslides and constructed 15 temporary bridges, the defence minister said.
The Army has deployed five medical teams and two columns, each consisting of 60-50 personnel.
It has also pressed into service two Advanced Light Helicopters and two Cheetah Helicopters to rescue marooned people and provide essential supplies to various parts of the state.
Choppers have played a crucial role in evacuating people stuck on the rooftops of their flooded homes. Hundreds of people have been winched to safety.
Along with the Army, the Navy too has been tasked with assisting in the rescue and relief operations.
The Navy has deployed ten rescue teams, ten motorized boats, one Advanced Light Helicopter and one seeking helicopter as part of its operation.
The Air Force has deployed 2 Mi-17 Helicopter, with a capacity to carry as many as 24 people, and one ALH.
On the ground, the Coast Guard has provided relied using its six motorized boats, four non-motorized boats and 21 hired boats.
