More than 300 people have lost their lives in the devastating landslide that struck Wayanad, Kerala, and many more are still missing. Amid this horrific disaster, a heartening story has emerged from the affected area; Kerala forest officials successfully rescued six children from a remote tribal settlement after an intense 8-hour operation.
Reacting to the rescue operation, Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated, "The dedication of the forest officials reminds us that Kerala's resilience shines even in times of intense crisis. United, we will rebuild and emerge stronger."
Led by Forest Officer K. Hashis, a four-member team navigated a treacherous path through the jungle on Thursday to carry out this rescue mission. The rescued children belong to the tribal community, aged between one and four years old.
Source: aajtak
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Family Trapped on Mountainous Terrain
The trapped family from the Paniya community in Wayanad was found in a cave at the top of a mountain, surrounded by deep ravines. It took the team over four and a half hours to reach them. Speaking to PTI, Hashis mentioned sighting the mother and her four-year-old child wandering near the forest area on Thursday. Upon inquiry, it was found that her three other children and their father were stranded in a cave, without food.
Source: aajtak
Hashis explained that the family belonged to a specific tribal community that generally avoids contact with outsiders. He said, "They usually depend on forest products and sell them in the local market to buy rice. However, due to landslides and heavy rains, they couldn't procure any food."
Source: aajtak
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Ropes Utilized for Rocky Ascent
The Forest Range Officer described the perilous trip, which involved maneuvering through slippery, steep rocks amidst heavy rain. Hashis said, "The children were exhausted, and we fed them whatever food we had carried. Eventually, after much persuasion, their father agreed to come with us. We tied the children to our bodies and began the journey back." The team had to use ropes tied to trees and rocks to climb the slippery boulders.
Source: aajtak
Back at their local office in Attamala, the children were provided with food, clothes, and shoes. Hashis mentioned that the family is now safe and secure. Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took to social media to commend the forest officials' courageous efforts and shared photographs of the rescue.
Source: aajtak
CM Vijayan Commends the Effort
On Friday, Vijayan posted on 'X,' "In a tireless 8-hour mission by our brave forest officials, six precious lives were saved from a remote tribal settlement in the landslide-hit Wayanad. This dedication reminds us that Kerala's indomitable spirit shines, even in dark times. Together, we will rebuild with hope and emerge stronger."
Source: aajtak
With Hashis were Division Forest Officer B.S. Jayachandran, Beat Forest Officer K. Anil Kumar, and Rapid Response Team (RRT) member Anoop Thomas, who undertook a journey of over seven kilometers to rescue the family. As the rain intensified, most members of the tribal communities in Wayanad were relocated to safer areas. The officer stated that the family had been residing inside the forest for some time.
