Wayanad landslide: Army dogs deployed to aid in rescue efforts, can detect remains under mud

Wayanad landslide: Elite dogs from the Army’s renowned canine unit, including breeds such as Belgian Malinois, Labradors, and German Shepherds, are en route to the landslide-stricken Meppadi in Wayanad. These dogs possess the remarkable ability to detect human remains and the faintest signs of life, even when buried deep under mud.

Trained at the prestigious Remount Veterinary Corps Centre (RVC) in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, these canines have undergone years of rigorous preparation. In response to a special request from the Chief Minister of Kerala, the Army’s Canine Squad, specifically trained for disaster operations, will be flown to Wayanad. Their mission is to locate and rescue people trapped beneath the mud and recover the remains of those who died in the disaster.

A Defence Ministry spokesperson confirmed the deployment, stating, “Based on the Kerala Government’s request, the Meerut RVC is sending its expert canine team and handlers to Wayanad. These dogs excel in rescuing people from disaster-hit areas and will soon arrive at the site.”

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan requested the Army’s assistance following reports of several hundred people missing, potentially swept away by the torrential mud and rocks. This is not the first time the Army’s canine unit has been called to action in Kerala; they previously assisted in recovering bodies from landslides at Kavalappara and Puthumala.

Annually, hundreds of dogs undergo intense training at the Meerut RVC, specialising in anti-terrorism operations, narcotics detection, and providing rescue assistance in disaster-affected areas across the country.