Miracles do happen. When heroism is embodied by a team of four forest officials led by K. Hashis, miracles become a reality. In a breathtaking display of courage, this team undertook an eight-hour rescue operation that saved the lives of four children and their parents from a tribal community. The family had been on the brink of starvation, trapped after a massive landslide in a remote cave atop a hill in Wayanad, Kerala.
The most poignant image of this tragic ordeal and its miraculous resolution has left the nation deeply moved: forest officials, seen holding the children and feeding them water from their cupped hands, carried the little ones tied to their bodies as they descended the treacherous mountain.
The operation required the officials to navigate a grueling four-hour trek through dense forest, heavy rain, and rocky terrain. The rescued family included four toddlers, aged between one and four.
Indian Masterminds spoke to South Wayanad’s DFO, Ajith K. Raman, Deputy RFO Pradeep Kumar of Mundakkai Forest Station, and Kalpetta Forest Range Officer K. Hashis to learn more about this heroic mission.
THE FAMILY
Over 350 people have tragically lost their lives, and hundreds remain missing after three devastating landslides struck Wayanad on the night of July 30th. The aftermath of this disaster has left the region in dire straits.
On the first day of the crisis, rescue teams managed to establish a crucial ropeway across the river at Chooralmala, marking a significant step in their efforts.
By August 2nd, forest officials were conducting checks on the tribal colony in Attamala. Amidst the ongoing rescue operations, they encountered a distressed mother and her young son near the forest. Upon inquiry, the woman, identified as Shantha, revealed that her three other children and their father were trapped in a cave without food.
Shantha, from the Paniya community of Wayanad, explained that her family was isolated in a cave perched on a hilltop, with a deep gorge looming above. This community typically shuns contact with outsiders, relying on forest products and selling them in the local market for sustenance. “However, the landslides and relentless rains have prevented them from obtaining any food,” noted Mr. Ajith.
Shantha had been spotted in the forest on the day of the landslides, but she had initially claimed she was merely wandering. “We knew they were in distress and were preparing to venture into the forest,” Mr Hashis said.
Two days later, Shantha and her child were found again, but this time, they did not flee upon seeing the rescuers. Their condition had worsened due to severe hunger. Shantha reiterated that her family was trapped in a cave on the hill.
The rescue operation to save them involved navigating a perilous route through the forest, demonstrating the immense dedication and bravery of the rescuers.
THE OPERATION
Upon learning about the dire situation, a four-member rescue team led by Kalpetta Range Forest Officer K. Hashis sprang into action. The team, comprising Section Forest Officer B. S. Jayachandran, Beat Forest Officer K. Anil Kumar, and Rapid Response Team (RRT) member Anup Thomas, embarked on a demanding journey of over seven kilometers to reach the stranded family.
The challenge was formidable, as they had to traverse a steep, almost 70-degree incline – an extremely hazardous and demanding terrain.
Despite the heavy rains and treacherous, slippery terrain, the team pressed on, dedicating eight hours to the rescue operation. They used ropes tied to trees to navigate the perilous, steep rocks. Carrying only a blanket, some biscuits, and a rope, the team made their way through the difficult conditions.
When they finally reached the vicinity of the cave, they found three children and a man, later identified as Krishnan, huddled there. Initial attempts to coax them out were met with reluctance. “After much persuasion, Krishnan finally agreed to come with us,” Hashis recounted.
With only ropes and a blanket at their disposal, the rescuers improvised by cutting the blanket into strips to create slings for the children. Each sling could accommodate one child at a time. The forest officials carefully climbed the rocky terrain, carrying the babies in the slings, one by one.
“It was incredibly risky – failure could have meant falling into a 100-meter gorge,” he added. “As we made our way back to the camp, we took turns carrying the babies in the makeshift slings. It took a full day of relentless effort to bring them back to safety.”
The team carefully descended the slippery, rocky terrain using the rope to reach the cave. Inside, they found the cave partially submerged in water. The children and Krishnan were huddled under a makeshift sheet for shelter. “We feared they might resist leaving, but once we explained the seriousness of the situation and the imminent danger of staying there, Krishnan agreed to follow us,” said Pradeep.
The return journey took approximately four and a half hours, as they navigated the perilous path with immense care and determination.
THE IMAGE
When the forest officials reached the cave, the children were exhausted and frightened. The rescuers offered them the food they had brought along, trying to comfort them.
“Our team secured the children to their bodies and began the challenging journey back,” Pradeep explained. “We had to tie ropes to trees and rocks to navigate the treacherous, slippery terrain.”
Upon returning to their local office in Attamala, the children were provided with food, clothing, and shoes. They were given temporary shelter while their condition was assessed.
“This morning, we arranged for medical professionals to examine the children,” Pradeep continued. “They required medical attention, but they are now stable and have been hospitalized for further care.”
THE PRAISE
The miraculous rescue operation earned praise from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
He said, “Six precious lives were saved from a remote tribal settlement after a tireless 8-hour operation by our courageous forest officials in landslide-hit Wayanad. Their heroism reminds us that Kerala’s resilience shines brightest in the darkest times. United in hope, we will rebuild and emerge stronger.”
