In the aftermath of devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, a remarkable rescue operation unfolded, highlighting the bravery and determination of local forest officers. Amid heavy rains and treacherous terrain, a four-member team, led by Kalpetta Range Forest Officer K Hashis, undertook an eight-hour trek to rescue a tribal family stranded in the forest.
The operation was launched after over 350 people were reported dead and hundreds missing following three landslides that struck Wayanad earlier in the week. The tribal family, belonging to the Paniya community, had been trapped in a cave atop a hill and was in dire need of assistance. The family consisted of four toddlers, aged between one and four, and their parents.
The rescue team’s mission began when Hashis and his colleagues encountered the mother of the children wandering near Attamala forest in search of food. The woman revealed that the family had been without food for over five days. She guided the officers to a cave where her children and husband were sheltering.
Despite the severe weather conditions, including slippery rocks and heavy showers, the officers pressed on with their mission. They tied ropes to trees and rocks to navigate the dangerous terrain. The children, exhausted from their ordeal, were given whatever food the officers had brought along. The team carried the children tied to their bodies during the trek back to safety.
Upon returning to the Attamala anti-poaching office, the family was provided with food, clothing, and medical care. The heroic efforts of the forest officers received widespread acclaim, with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praising their courage and resilience. Vijayan remarked, "Their heroism reminds us that Kerala's resilience shines brightest in the darkest times. United in hope, we will rebuild and emerge stronger."
The operation, involving Section Forest Officer BS Jayachandran, Beat Forest Officer K Anil Kumar, and Rapid Response Team (RRT) member Anoop Thomas, was captured in images that quickly went viral on social media, showing one officer holding a child in his arms during the rescue.
In his statement, Vijayan highlighted the success of the mission, saying, "Six precious lives were saved from a remote tribal settlement after a tireless eight-hour operation by our courageous forest officials in landslide-hit Wayanad." The rescue operation not only provided immediate relief but also underscored the dedication of the forest officers in the face of adversity.
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