Thiruvananthapuram: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to begin its rescue operations in Kerala after the state faces a threat of another deluge. The IAF is slated to begin its operations in Wayanad where their first mission will be to airlift paramedics, communication and rescue equipment to Wayanad.
Also, helicopters will begin their rescue operations from the Naval base in Kochi.
The hilly region of Wayanad has been hit hard with risk of landslides and the paths blocked by debris and trees. Rescue teams find it difficult to reach the affected areas on road. In addition, the forested and hilly regions also raise a problem to transfer rescue personnel.
However, IAF could airlift the rescue teams to where they are needed the most. The climate in Wayanad is not conducive to smooth flying and IAF helicopter pilots will have to negotiate with the particular environment of the hilly district.
An IAF officer said, “There was a certain amount of risk when the helicopters came down to offload passengers and cargo in the wind and rain-swept hilly terrain.”
The helicopters will be used to transport lighting equipment and portable mobile towers.
The IAF had taken part in the rescue operations during the floods that ravaged Kerala last year. Their help was exceptional and led to the evacuation of many people trapped in inaccessible areas and on house tops surrounded by flood waters.
