KOCHI: Taking a cue from the search operations following last year’s devastating landslide at Chooralmala in Wayanad, which claimed 298 lives and left 32 people missing, the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Department has decided to equip its units with advanced tools for future disaster response. The department will procure state-of-the-art drones and life detectors designed to locate people trapped under debris.
The search efforts after the Chooralmala tragedy extended for several weeks, as rescuers had to manually clear debris while searching for survivors and remains. Drones from private firms and sniffer dogs were deployed during the operation.
“The Chooralmala operation was a wake-up call for the department, highlighting the urgent need for modern equipment that can be deployed in disaster-hit areas. Ahead of the upcoming monsoon, we’ve decided to procure tools that will play a crucial role in search and rescue efforts,” said a senior Fire and Rescue Department officer.
According to the officer, the department has invited tenders to buy two life detectors — each priced at Rs 89.9 lakh. These detectors use advanced sensors to pick up even the slightest vibrations and can detect seismic and acoustic frequencies, such as breathing or movement beneath the debris. The equipment is designed to operate under extreme weather conditions and can be used not only during natural disasters but also in incidents such as building collapses.
The department is also set to acquire two aerial drones, each costing Rs 7.5 lakh, to enhance rescue operations. “During the Chooralmala landslide, we had to rely on private agencies for drone services. The drones we plan to procure must function effectively in all weather conditions, including heavy rain. In addition to high-resolution and thermal imaging cameras for body heat detection, they will assist in firefighting, surveillance, tactical operations, and data collection. Drones proved useful during the Brahmapuram fire containment efforts,” the officer added.
According to officials, efforts will be made to expedite the delivery of the equipment once the tendering process is completed. “We will request suppliers to deliver the equipment within a short time-frame, ideally within a month, so it can be deployed during any natural disasters during the monsoon season. Preparatory work to tackle calamities such as floods and landslides has already begun. Additional units will be deployed in areas identified as vulnerable during the monsoon,” the official said.
On alert mode
The department has invited tenders to buy two life detectors — each priced at Rs 89.9 lakh
These detectors use advanced sensors to pick up even the slightest vibrations and can detect breathing or movement beneath the debris
It will acquire two aerial drones at Rs 7.5 lakh each
The drones are equipped with thermal imaging cameras for body heat detection and will assist in firefighting, surveillance