Army Dogs Dispatched to Aid in Wayanad Landslide Rescue Efforts
At the request of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Indian Army’s elite canine squad has been deployed to Meppadi in Wayanad, a region recently devastated by a massive landslide. The squad, comprised of highly-trained dogs from the prestigious Remount Veterinary Corps Centre (RVC) in Meerut, is set to assist in locating survivors and recovering bodies. These dogs, including Belgian Malinois, Labradors, and German Shepherds, are capable of detecting the faintest signs of life or human remains beneath the mud and debris.
Specially Trained Canine Team Arrives in Wayanad
The decision to deploy the Army’s canine team came after reports indicated that several hundred people were missing in the area, likely swept away by the landslide’s force. The dogs, trained rigorously at the RVC, are well-versed in rescue operations in disaster-struck areas, having previously assisted in similar situations such as the landslides at Kavalappara and Puthumala in Kerala. The deployment of these dogs highlights the critical role they play in disaster response and rescue missions.
In response to the recent catastrophic landslide in Meppadi, Wayanad, the Kerala government has requested the assistance of the Indian Army’s elite canine squad. This unit, known for its expertise in disaster area operations, is being flown in from the Remount Veterinary Corps Centre (RVC) in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The dogs in this squad, including Belgian Malinois, Labradors, and German Shepherds, are specially trained to detect human remains and even the faintest signs of life, such as a person’s breath, from under layers of mud and debris.
The request for these expert dogs was made by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who sought their assistance after receiving reports that several hundred people were missing following the landslide. The Army’s canine unit is expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing search and rescue operations, providing much-needed assistance in locating survivors who may still be trapped under the mud, as well as recovering the bodies of those who did not survive the disaster.
A Defence Ministry PRO confirmed that the canine team, accompanied by expert handlers, is en route to Wayanad. “These dogs are experts in rescuing people from disaster-struck areas, and the canine team will be arriving soon at Wayanad,” the PRO stated. The deployment of these dogs underscores the gravity of the situation and the importance of employing all available resources to aid in the rescue efforts.
The RVC in Meerut is renowned for its rigorous training programs, which prepare dogs for a variety of critical roles, including anti-terrorism operations, narcotics detection, and rescue missions in disaster areas. The centre trains hundreds of dogs annually, ensuring that they are equipped with the skills necessary to perform in high-pressure environments.
The deployment of the canine squad to Wayanad is not the first instance of such assistance in Kerala. In previous years, Army dogs have been instrumental in recovering bodies from landslip sites at Kavalappara and Puthumala. Their expertise in detecting scents from buried human remains has proven invaluable in providing closure to families and aiding in the identification of victims.
As rescue operations continue in Wayanad, the presence of the Army’s canine squad offers a glimmer of hope to those awaiting news of their missing loved ones. The dogs’ keen senses and specialized training are crucial in the ongoing efforts to locate survivors and recover the deceased. The cooperation between the state government and the Army highlights the importance of a coordinated response in times of natural disaster, ensuring that all available resources are utilized to save lives and provide relief to affected communities.
