Kottayam, Oct 17 (UNI) Madras Regiment from Pangode Military Station has commenced rescue operations at Kavali Village, four km away from Koottickal in this district of Kerala, according to defence sources here on Sunday.
"Army team arrived at Kottayam and search operation begins for the missing persons in the debris. Few people are still stranded in Koottickal where a major lanslide was reported on Saturday," it added.
Navy Chopper with relief materials already airborne from INS Garuda and headed towards rain affected areas.
Two Air Force Chopper Mi-17 arrived and standby at AF Station, Shangumugom in Thiruvananthapuram.
According to a defence press release issued here last evening, the Indian Air Force and Indian Army Personnel were pressed into service in the affected areas.
Mi-17 and Sarang Helicopters are already in standby mode to meet the requirements. All the bases under Southern Air Command have been put on high alert in view of the prevalent weather situation at Kerala.
One column consists of One Officer, 2 JCOs and 30 other ranks of army personnel already reached in the affected areas along with two Baut with OBM and other equipments under the leadership of Major Abin Paul.
UNI DS GNK