SOUTHERN ARMY COMMANDER VISITS KERALA TO REVIEW FLOOD RESCUE AND RELIEF OPERATIONS
The troops of Southern Command continue to support the Kerala state authorities in flood hit areas in rescue and relief operations on a war footing. The flood situation in South Kerala continues to be bad, while things are getting better in North Kerala. Two additional Engineer Task Forces, some Divers and additional medical teams have been pressed into action to augment the operations at multiple locations. As on date a total of 10 Columns and 12 Engineer Task Force distributed into about 70 teams are carrying out continuous rescue and relief operations in the area. In addition, the troops are involved in road opening, clearing of land slides and construction of temporary bridges utilising the natural resources available in the area.
So far approximately 26 temporary Bridges have been constructed/repaired and approximately 50 roads have been opened/cleared for the general public. A total of almost 12000 people stranded in various parts of flood affected areas of Kerala have been rescued by the troops of Southern Command, this includes one flood affected district of Karnataka i.e. Kodagu. Continuous efforts are underway to bring flood affected people to safety.
Lt Gen D R Soni, PVSM, VSM, ADC visited the flood affected areas in Kerala today. He also addressed a press conference at Trivandrum. The Army Commander complimented the troops for the wonderful work being put in by them in these operations. He said ” That places where light and helicopters could not reach, my boys reached and saved lives…I am so proud of them.” He also said that the operations will continue till such time the State Govt wants our assistance and we will continue to carryout any task given to us relentlessly with complete heart and soul”. The Army Commander also praised the synergy between various organisations working in the relief and rescue operations.