Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Indian Army is deeply involved in the rescue and relief operations in Kerala which is witnessing very heavy rains since August 9, 2018. Request for provision of Army assistance was received on August 9, 2018. Accordingly, Indian Army carried out execution of Disaster Relief tasks on a war footing which has been greatly appreciated by civilian populace and the State administration.
As on date, 10 flood relief columns each having an approximate strength of 65 personnel are carrying out rescue operations in ten districts of Kerala. In addition to the 10 flood relief columns, 10 Engineer Task Forces (ETF) each having an approximate strength of 40 personnel from Jodhpur, Bhopal, Pune, Bangalore and Secunderabad have been pressed into action. Army is also utilising 53 military boats to evacuate civilians from flood affected areas, according to a PIB release.
Inspite of continuous and heavy rains, Indian Army columns are working round the clock to restore connectivity to remote villages by constructing temporary foot bridges, bunds and preparing alternate routes. Thirteen temporary bridges were constructed to reconnect 38 remote areas and total of 3,627 personnels have been rescued till date, which include 22 foreign nationals.
Relief materials have been sent to 19 villages with medical aid being provided to approximately 500 civilians till date. In addition 3,000 pre-cooked meals and 300 life jackets were handed over to civil administration on August 17, 2018.