Image credits - IaSouthern
The Indian Army has demonstrated extraordinary efficiency by constructing a 190-foot-long Bailey Bridge in a record 31 hours in response to the devastating landslide that struck Wayanad, Kerala. This feat was achieved by Madras Sappers who mobilized swiftly to restore connectivity and facilitate relief efforts in the affected region. It was completed a day after they began on the eve of July 31.
The bridge connecting Chooralmala with Mundakkai over the Iruvanipzha river has been handed over to the civil administration. The Bailey Bridge, a type of portable bridge designed for rapid deployment, was crucial in reopening vital transportation links that had been severed by the landslide. The Army’s ability to complete the construction so quickly has been instrumental in enabling emergency services, relief supplies, and rescue operations to reach those in need.
The landslide in Wayanad had caused extensive damage, cutting off several key routes and hindering the movement of aid and rescue teams. The death toll has crossed 300 and the number of injured is above 250. The Army’s prompt and effective response has significantly alleviated logistical challenges, allowing for a more coordinated and efficient relief effort.
This impressive achievement highlights the Indian Army’s readiness and capability to respond to natural disasters, providing critical infrastructure in times of crisis. The rapid construction of the Bailey Bridge has been met with widespread praise from local officials and residents, who have expressed gratitude for the swift intervention.