Wayanad Landslide: Thermal Scanner Fail To Identify Survivors

The tragic landslides in Wayanad have resulted in a death toll that has now reached 340. Despite intense rescue efforts, many remain missing. The situation has been complicated by the failure of thermal scanning technology, which was initially employed to locate survivors.

The landslides in Wayanad have proven to be among the most devastating in recent Kerala history, with hundreds of lives lost and hundreds still missing. Rescue operations are ongoing, and many families and individuals have been rescued alive.

On August 2, the army utilized thermal scanning technology to detect signs of human life beneath the debris. This technology was expected to identify active human presence within a 12-meter radius. 

The thermal scans showed potential life signs around 4:30 pm, making rescue teams begin operations in those areas. Unfortunately, their efforts were wasted by vast mud and rubble, leading to a suspension of the search by 5:30 pm.

Despite the thermal scanner detecting breathing signals, the following search delivered no findings of humans or animals. The Chief Minister's Office directed that the search resume through the night.

An Army officer explained, "We use thermal scanners to detect respiration and other life signs, often for locating individuals hidden in buildings. We recorded three breath signals here, but so far, no human or animal has been found. We will continue the search and will be able to confirm findings only after clearing the area."

In this case, rescuers face challenges in the landslide-affected areas. They are encountering waterlogged soil and extensive destruction of homes and buildings.