In their effort to intensify rescue operations in landslide-hit Wayanad, the Madras Engineering Group of the Indian Army built a 190-ft-long Bailey Bridge within 31 hours! This bridge will help connect the worst-affected areas of Mundakkal and Chooralmala and will ease rescue operations as it has a weight-carrying capacity of 24 tonnes. Read on to learn more about this bridge.
Indian Army Builds 190-Ft-Long Bailey Bridge In Wayanad In 31 Hrs
Inclement weather, raising water levels, debris, restricted space seems like a daunting task for rescue for many but not for #IndianArmy. #MadrasSappers displaying indomitable spirit, never say die attitude and supreme commitment in the relief operations… pic.twitter.com/l7kqLvzoOY
— Southern Command INDIAN ARMY (@IaSouthern) August 1, 2024
The Indian Army was called in to carry out our rescue operations in the landslide-hit Wayanad. To intensify these operations, the Madras Engineering Group of the Army constructed a 190-ft-long Bailey Bridge in a record time of almost 31 hours! As per The Hindu report, the construction of the bridge started at 9:30 AM on July 31 and was completed by 5:30 PM on August 1.
In a remarkable feat of engineering and professional skills the #IndianArmy‘s Engineer Task Force swiftly constructed the #BaileyBridge over the Iruvanipzha River at #Chooralmala, significantly accelerating rescue operations in #Wayanad.
To speed up the… pic.twitter.com/idXJxXbF7k
— Southern Command INDIAN ARMY (@IaSouthern) August 2, 2024
Reportedly, 140 personnel from Madras Engineering Group were deployed to help construct this bridge. The bridge has a weight-carrying capacity of 24 tonnes. Upon its completion, Major General V.T. Mathew, General Officer Commanding the Kerala and Karnataka Sub-Area, crossed the bridge in his official vehicle, as per Indian Army’s tradition. After that, the Army medical unit and a military truck passed through the bridge. The bridge was then handed over to the civil administration for further use.
Army Officials Worked Non-Stop To Build The Bridge In Record Time
Kerala landslide , according to source loss of 108 lives , 128 injuries.
Pray For Wayanad .🙏#keralaflood
https://t.co/rA7jpr5MVy pic.twitter.com/3mVeAdHL4A
— Neha Gurung (@nehaGurung1692) July 31, 2024
The Southern Command took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the news of the completion of this “remarkable feat of engineering and professional skills.” They believe this will “significantly accelerate rescue operations in Wayanad.” This bridge will help connect the worst-affected areas of landslide-hit Chooralmala with Mundakkai over the Iruvanjippuzha River.
Due to the devastating landslides on July 30, the bridge connecting the two places was washed away and no temporary structure could stand over the swollen river. The Indian Army then stepped in and brought materials for building the bridge from Delhi and Bengaluru. Under the leadership of Major General Mathew, the army men worked for more than 30 hours without any breaks and were able to successfully build this bridge.
Kudos to the Indian Army for building the Bailey Bridge in the landslide-hit Wayanad. Only they could have worked so hard and fast even in the worst of situations! We hope that the situation in Kerala improves soon and normalcy is restored in the state.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@IaSouthern
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