Army Deploys Ground Penetration Radar in Rescue Ops After Karnataka Landslides
Uttar Kannada, Karnataka: In the wake of a devastating landslide that struck Karnataka’s Uttar Kannada district, the Indian Army has mobilized multiple rescue teams equipped with the advanced Ferrex Locator 150 ground penetration radar. This cutting-edge technology is crucial in detecting individuals trapped beneath the debris.
The landslide, triggered by continuous downpours over the past fortnight, resulted in the tragic loss of at least seven lives and caused significant disruptions on National Highway 66, which has since been temporarily closed to traffic. The incident also swept two gas tankers into the Gangavali River, complicating rescue efforts.
In response, the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre (MLIRC) dispatched two Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) teams, comprising one officer, two Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), and 55 Other Ranks (OR), on Sunday. To bolster these efforts, an additional team from the College of Military Engineering (CME), including one JCO and two OR, joined the operation yesterday, bringing the Ferrex Locator 150.
This sophisticated radar system is pivotal for locating individuals and metal objects submerged underwater and buried under soil. Satellite imagery from ISRO on the day of the landslide suggested that a truck might have been pushed into the Gangavali River. The Army’s use of the Ferrex Locator 150 has already detected metal traces in the river, prompting the deployment of Navy divers to search the debris.
Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda stated, “We are working closely with the Army and Navy experts. The Ferrex Locator 150 has identified metal fragments inside the Gangavali River, and Navy divers will explore these findings tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, the suspension of traffic on National Highway 66 has sparked protests from truckers stranded for over a week, demanding the resumption of passage.
The combined efforts of the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and other agencies continue as they strive to manage the aftermath of this catastrophic event and restore normalcy to the affected region.