Army builds 190-feet-long bridge within 24 hours for Wayanad rescue
The Madras Engineering Group of the Indian Army has successfully built a 190-feet-long Bailey bridge within a single day to assist rescue operations in Kerala's Wayanad district. The construction, which started at 9.30 pm on Wednesday, was completed by 5.30pm on Thursday, NDTV reported. The bridge, named Cl 24 Bailey Bridge, spans the Iruvanipzha River and reconnects the landslide-affected areas of Mundakkai and Chooralmala.
Bridge enhances rescue efforts, ensures safe passage
Major General VT Mathew, GOC-Karnataka and Kerala Sub-Area, confirmed that the bridge has significantly improved transportation for rescue operations. The Cl 24 Bailey Bridge can support a weight of up to 24 tonnes and was tested by driving an ambulance and a military truck across it. After its completion, Mathew crossed the bridge in his official vehicle, signifying its readiness for use in ongoing rescue efforts.
Advanced equipment deployed in search for landslide victims
In addition to the bridge, Major General Mathew revealed that radar equipment and sniffer dogs are being deployed to locate bodies buried deep due to the landslides. Thermal scanners are also in use, although their effectiveness is limited as deceased bodies do not emit heat. The construction of the Bailey bridge was necessitated after temporary wooden bridges failed due to heavy rain.
Bridge construction amidst adverse conditions and challenges
Materials for the bridge were flown into Kannur airport from Delhi and Bengaluru, then transported to Wayanad by 17 trucks. Onmanorama reported that 140 personnel from the Madras Engineer Group worked tirelessly, pausing only for meals, to complete the bridge in a record time of 31 hours. As of Friday morning, the death toll from the Wayanad landslides had surpassed 300, with the army and other rescue teams recovering 120 bodies.
