Wayanad: The Pulpally Offroaders Club, known for their ability to navigate difficult terrains, has been recognised by the Indian Army for their invaluable assistance during the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide disaster. 21 members of the club were awarded a ‘Certificate of Excellence’ by the Army in acknowledgement of their exceptional rescue efforts in the disaster-hit region.
The certificates were presented by Brigadier M P Salil, Commander of the Thiruvananthapuram Military Station, and Lieutenant Colonel Rishi Rajalakshmi, during their visit to Wayanad. This recognition came as the Army expressed its gratitude for the off-roaders’ tireless work in helping to rescue and recover victims in areas that were otherwise inaccessible due to mudslides and debris.
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As the Army prepared to leave Wayanad, the army conveyed their gratitude to the off-roaders. A video showing the touching moment when Lt. Col. Rishi Rajalakshmi of the Mechanised Infantry hugged and thanked the club members for their dedication went viral on social media. The emotional exchange was a testament to the strong bond formed between the Army and the local volunteers during the rescue operation.
The Pulpally Offroaders were among the first responders when disaster struck. On the very first day, the team managed to rescue over 100 people by driving their four-wheel-drive vehicles through treacherous paths covered in mud, rocks, and debris from collapsed buildings. Their role became even more crucial in the following days as they worked alongside the Army from the third day onwards.
Initially, while most rescuers were focused on Chooralmala, the off-roaders directed their efforts toward remote village roads. Over the course of the first two days, they recovered 34 bodies from the disaster zone, operating in areas that were otherwise unreachable by conventional vehicles.
The off-road club utilised a range of vehicles for the rescue mission, including a four-wheel-drive truck that had been auctioned after being decommissioned by the military. These vehicles played a vital role in reaching isolated parts of Mundakkai and Chooralmala, where roads had been completely wiped out. Their expertise in off-road driving allowed them to navigate the difficult terrain and assist the Army in transporting both personnel and supplies to critical areas.
This was not the first time the Pulpally Offroaders had risen to the occasion in times of crisis. The group had previously been involved in rescue operations during the 2018 floods and the Puthumala disaster in 2019.