Wayanad Landslides: Despite losing four members of family, Indian Army officer plays active role in rescue efforts
Aug 13, 2024
Wayanad (Kerala) [India], August 13 : Despite losing four members of his family, a Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army, Jinosh Jayan is playing an active role in the rescue efforts alongside relief agencies.
Junior Commissioned Officer Jinosh Jayan from 321 Medium Regiment hails from Chooralmala in Wayanad District of Kerala. Unfortunately, his uncle, cousin's brother, cousin brother's wife, and their 21-year-old daughter lost their lives in the landslides on July 30 that killed more than 300 people and destroyed scores of houses and other buildings.
Despite the devastating circumstances, Sub Jinosh's parents managed to escape to a safer location. Upon hearing about the landslide, Sub Jinosh promptly requested emergency leave and made his way to Wayanad.
Upon his arrival, he wasted no time in joining the rescue efforts alongside the Army's Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Special Operations Group (SOG), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams. His local knowledge proved invaluable as he assisted them in navigating the challenging terrain.
Drawing on his expertise as a surveyor, Sub Jinosh created hand-drawn maps that greatly aided the rescue teams in their operations. Since August 1, he has remained an integral part of the ongoing HADR missions in the area, tirelessly searching for more victims.
Furthermore, he has been recognised and commended by the Additional Director General of Police, MR Ajith Kumar, IPS, and Inspector General MR Sethu Raman for his exceptional contributions during this challenging period.
Meanwhile, a five-member expert team led by senior scientist John Matthai of the National Centre for Geosciences appointed by the State Disaster Management Authority inspected the landslide-hit areas in Wayanad's Meppadi panchayat on Tuesday.
Due to adverse weather conditions in the disaster area, the inspection was called off in the afternoon. The inspection will continue till August 15.
The team will assess how the disaster happened and the phenomena that occurred during the landslide. The team will also assess the risk factors in the disaster area and related areas and submit a report to the government.
