The 8-Hour Heroic Rescue Of Four Toddlers In Landslide Hit Wayanad

Havoc was set in the disaster-stricken area of Wayanad in Kerala. After suffering three landslides in the previous week, over 350 people died and hundreds have gone missing. Amidst this grave tragedy, we recently stumbled upon a tale of heroic rescue and bravery that has provided a little mental refuge. In a dreadful eight-hour operation by the Kerala forest officials' a family of six tribals including four toddlers have been rescued from the Attamala forest.

K Hashis leads the way 

A few days prior to this undertaking, research and search operations were conducted by the Kerala Forest Department. This led them to an estranged lady of tribal origins belonging to the Paniya community of Wayanad. The Kalpetta Range Forest Team was led by Officer K Hashis who revealed that "This family from the Paniya community of Wayanad has been stranded in a cave atop a hill overlooking a deep gorge." 

The Challenge of Isolated Tribals 

It was Officer Hashis who discovered the woman wandering outside the Attamala forest. When the officials tried to offer help, she kept shooing them away as she was sceptical of their identity as well as intentions. Finally, she was convinced when she, along with her son were provided with bread to feed their stomach in such insecure conditions.

It was only after this that she revealed the address of her husband and 4 children stuck in the Paramala area above the mountain. This set the forest heroes in motion and they set off for an 8-hour long trek up the rocky terrain. 

"They belong to a specific vulnerable section of the tribal community, that avoids interactions with outsiders," Hashis reveals this in a conversation with PTI. This story puts to light the troubled history of the tribal community. They are so isolated from social connections and norms that accepting help does not come easy to them. 

Challenge Of Rain And Rocky Trek 

The way to the trek was too steep for movement and pouring rains added to the challenge. The three landslides that struck the region last week have damaged public infrastructure, roads and bridges. No physical structure was strong and stable enough to depend upon. The officers had to tie ropes to trees and rocks to move forward. After the dreadful journey of eight hours, the Officers could gain sight of the man and the four toddlers. 

Upon reaching the anti-poaching office that lies in the Attamala locality, the children were provided with clothes and some bread to eat. 

Kerala: In Wayanad, forest department personnel rescued six tribals, including four children, from a landslide-affected area pic.twitter.com/bbYYyQX3eS

— IANS (@ians_india) August 3, 2024

Kerela CM Vijayan Expresses Pride 

Officials' resilient and legendary effort welcomed praise from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who applauded the heroes via social media.

"Six precious lives were saved from a remote tribal settlement after a tireless 8-hour operation by our courageous forest officials in landslide-hit Wayanad. Their heroism reminds us that Kerela's resilience shines brightest in the darkest times. United in hope, we will rebuild and emerge stronger," Vijayan posted on X.