Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah on Wednesday deputed two IAS officers to coordinate with the Kerala authorities leading the rescue and relief operations in Wayanad following a devastating landslide that has claimed over 150 lives.
Senior IAS officers P.C. Jaffer (mobile number 9448355577) and Dilish Sasi (9446000514) have been deputed by the CM.
In a press statement, the CM stated that the NDRF team in Bengaluru and teams of the Madras Engineer Group of the Army will be assisting in the operation.
One officer from MEG, along with two JCOs and 70 personnel of various ranks, has already departed for Wayanad in 15 vehicles carrying rescue and relief supplies. Additionally, two more officers, four JCOs, and 100 army personnel equipped with the necessary equipment will depart in 40 vehicles.
To facilitate the swift movement of the teams and relief material to Wayanad, a green corridor to allow unrestricted passage of relief vehicles is being created at the Bandipur checkpost.
Deputy Commissioners of border districts Mysuru and Chamarajanagar have been directed to extend all support.
The Chamarajanagar district administration has initiated a helpline (08226-223160/1/3) WhatsApp number: 9740942901) to assist citizens who frequently travel to Wayanad from the district border
Bengaluru-Wayanad National Highway 766 closed
As a precautionary measure, traffic on the Bangalore-Waynad National Highway 766 passing through Gundlupet has been blocked. Travellers are advised to take the alternative Gundlupet-Bandipur-Gudalur route.
The Karnataka public works department is assisting the Kerala authorities in clearing the debris.
The Chamarajanagar district administration has set up a 24/7 helpline to assist relatives and acquaintances of unorganised workers from Gundlupet taluk and surrounding areas. The helpline numbers are 08226-223161, 223163, 223160, and WhatsApp number 9740942902.
Meanwhile, the Mysuru district administration has made elaborate arrangements for medical treatment at both Heggadevankote Taluk Hospital and K R Hospital, Mysuru. Sufficient buses and vehicles are on standby to transport the injured, and suppliers of cold storage units have been identified to preserve deceased bodies. The Mysuru district administration Helpline is 0821-24223800.
