85-foot-long temporary bridge in Mundakkai; special flight will arrive with materials required for construction

KALPETTA: Rescue efforts are underway in the landslide-hit areas of Mundakkai and Chooralmala in Meppadi. The construction of the Bailey Bridge will begin in the afternoon. Revenue Minister K Rajan said that parts required for the construction of the bridge will be brought by land and by helicopter.

An 85-foot-long bridge will be constructed in the area. Equipment including small dredgers can move through this bridge. The minister said that rain has subsided in the region and that the flow in the river is expected to decrease in the coming hours. A special flight with materials required for the construction of the bridge will reach Kannur airport shortly.

Eight lorries have been sent to the airport. Later, the materials will be delivered to Wayanad by road. The minister said that the construction of the Bailey bridge will help speed up the rescue operation. The army's three Cadaver dogs will also reach the accident site.

The collapse of the Mundakkai bridge had hampered the rescue efforts yesterday. Those taking part in the rescue efforts were able to reach Mundakkai about 13 hours after the landslide occurred. The army had constructed a short, makeshift bridge, but it was insufficient in length to allow the rescuers to cross the river. The construction of a sturdy bridge across the river will make the rescue efforts considerably simpler. More than fifty houses have been destroyed in the Mundakkai area.