Saved hundreds of people, returning with satisfaction; sendoff for Major General V T Mathew

MUNDAKKAI: Major General V T Mathew, general officer commanding, Karnataka and Kerala sub area, who led the rescue operations in the tragedy that struck Mundakkai in Wayanad, has gone back. District collector D R Meghashree gave a farewell to the Major General by conveying love and respect to him. He will now monitor the rescue and search operations in the district from the Kerala-Karnataka headquarters in Bengaluru.

The major returned after opening the way for hundreds of people to escape. While talking to the media, Mathew said that he is very satisfied that he was able to rescue more people and succeed in the big rescue mission despite the unfavourable weather conditions. Major General added that he will reach Wayanad again if required.

As soon as the landslides hit Chooralmala and Mundakkai areas, police, fire brigade and NDRF, various forces arrived for the rescue operations. The Indian Army reached the spot on the afternoon of July 30. Major General V T Mathew reached on July 31 and took over the leadership of the rescue mission.

Among the 500 soldiers, there were soldiers from the Madras Engineering Group, who were experts in the construction of the Bailey Bridge. Since then, Major General VT Mathew and his team have been at the forefront of the rescue operation. About 500 people were rescued in two days. 500 soldiers are still carrying out the rescue operations.