• By Mayukh Debnath
  • Fri, 02 Aug 2024 02:50 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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Wayanad Landslides: Teams of the Madras Engineer Group (informally known as Madras Sappers) of the Indian Army completed the construction of a 190-feet-long Bailey bridge (portable bridge) in less than 24 hours to help expedite the rescue operations in Kerala's landslide-hit Wayanad district, the Southern Command said. Lauding the Army engineers and other personnel involved in the construction of the makeshift bridge, the Southern Command said even adverse weather conditions could not weaken the "indomitable spirit" of the Madras Sappers teams.

"Inclement weather, raising water levels, debris, restricted space seems like a daunting task for rescue for many but not for #IndianArmy. #MadrasSappers displaying indomitable spirit, never say die attitude and supreme commitment in the relief operations completed 190ft #BaileyBridge in a record time and facilitated furtherance of rescue operations. Kudos to #IndianArmy and the valiant #Thambis working day and night in times of adversity," the Southern Command posted on X on Thursday.

In an interview to news broadcaster NDTV during the day, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan had said that the Bailey bridge would be crucial to reach the ground zero, i.e. the settlement first impacted by the landslides on Tuesday. The construction of the portable structure began at 9:30 pm on Wednesday and was completed by 5:30 pm on Thursday. It will help connect Chooralmala with Mundakkai over the Iruvanjippuzha River. The bridge connecting the two places had washed away in the landslides that hit Wayanad in the wee hours of Tuesday.

ALSO READ: Wayanad Landslides: Two Women Among Four Found Alive During Rescue Ops In Padavetti Kunnu; Death Toll Crosses 300

The Bailey bridge constructed by the Army has a load capacity of 24 tonnes. General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Kerala and Karnataka Sub Area, Major General VT Mathew crossed the Class 24 Bailey Bridge in his official vehicle to test its structural integrity. "From #Landslide to #Lifeline. When nature knocked down a bridge,#IndianArmy swiftly constructed a more resilient one. True to form, the Army Commander fearlessly led the way across the #BaileyBridge," the Defence PRO said in a post on X.

ALSO READ: Kerala Reverses Controversial Gag Order For Scientists Sharing 'Opinions' On Wayanad Landslides After Backlash

As of Friday, the death toll due to the natural calamity has crossed the 300 mark, according to state health minister Veena George. In the morning, Kerala ADGP MR Ajith Kumar said that approximately 300 people remained missing since the outset of the tragedy. 

(With inputs from agencies)