Heartbreaking Tragedy: Army Heroically Airlifts Victims from Wayanad Landslide at Soochipara Waterfalls

Bodies Retrieved Near Soochipara Waterfalls Following Devastating Landslides in Wayanad

By The Hindu

Wayanad, August 10, 2024— In the aftermath of catastrophic landslides, the Forest Department’s search-and-rescue team discovered four bodies near the remote Soochipara Waterfalls in Sun Rise Valley, Wayanad. The waterfall is located approximately four kilometers from the landslide-hit areas in Vythiri taluk. Helicopter-borne Indian Army officers retrieved the bodies, with one severely mangled, found near Kanthanpara, a rapid downstream of Soochipara Waterfalls.

The operations, initially hampered by rugged terrain and crosswinds, resumed successfully on Saturday. The recovered bodies are being transported to a morgue in Sultan Battery for post-mortem examinations and identification using advanced forensic DNA fingerprinting techniques.

Officials anticipate more bodies may remain trapped in the debris along the downstream areas from the landslide-affected regions of Chooralmala, Mundakkai, and Attamala. Dense vegetation, water bodies, and rough terrain around the waterfall and rapids complicate the search efforts.

Previously, the government had pledged comprehensive search operations spanning from Soochipara Waterfalls downstream to the Chaliyar River in Malappuram district. Forest enforcers are also meticulously combing forested areas along the Parappanpara and Kalakkan Puzha rivers downstream of the disaster zone, navigating challenging hills and valleys.

Further updates on the situation and rescue efforts will be reported as the scenario unfolds.

Stay tuned for live updates on PM Modi’s visit to Wayanad and the ongoing rescue efforts.

Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/wayanad-landslide-helicopter-borne-army-team-airlifts-four-bodies-from-soochipara-waterfalls/article68508698.ece
Category : Kerala
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