1500 soldiers engaged in flood relief ops in Kerala

New Delhi – The flood situation in Kerala continues to be grim due to very heavy rainfall and release of water from major reservoirs over last one week. The Indian Army has risen to the challenge in supporting the Kerala State administration by undertaking round the clock rescue and relief  operations since 09 August 18. A total of 10 columns and Eight Engineer Task Force (ETF) comprising of about 1500 Troops distributed into almost 100 teams are operating in the all districts of Kerala except Kasaragod, Kottayam and Kollam. Apart from this one column is also deployed in neighboring state of Karnataka (Kodagu district). In responding to the severity of the situation, the Indian Army has beefed up the column from Bangalore and Secunderabad to affected areas. In addition some divers from Special Forces have been also stationed at Disaster Control Cell to cater for any emergencies.

The focus of activity continues to rescue stranded civilians from marooned areas by using rafts, boats and local expedients. Concurrently, areas cut off due to landslides have been reconnected by clearing of debris and construction of temporary bridges at many locations. So far approximately 25 temporary Bridges have been constructed/repaired and approximately 40 major roads have been opened/cleared for the general public. Medical aid in the form of direct help or by facilitating the civil administration have been provided to more than2000 people in the affected areas.