Wayanad, July 30 (Reporter) Two rescue columns of Indian Army with a strength of approximately 200 soldiers from Defence Security Corps (DSC) Centre, Kannur, along with a medical team from Military Hospital Kannur and troops from Territorial Army from Kozhikode have been deployed near Meppadi where a massive landslide was reported on Tuesday. Another 50-member river crossing team of the Indian Navy from Ezhimala Navel Academy has also been deployed for the rescue operation. "Early this morning, a massive landslide struck hilly areas near Meppadi in Wayanad district resulting in hundreds of people suspected to be strapped. Assistance was sought from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force," a Defence release said. Two Relief columns from the Defence Security Corps Centre, Kannur along with rescue equipment and other detachments have been deployed for rescue and relief operations. Two helicopters from Air Force Station Sulur have been despatched for rescue operations. Weather over the affected area is adverse. However, they will be taking off again towards disaster relief operations. The Army received a request from the Kerala Government for the rescue of approximately 250 persons likely to be stranded in a major landslide in Meppadi Panchayath, it added. Meanwhile, as directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister George Kurian is heading to Wayanad to lead relief and rescue operations. He will coordinate with NDRF, paramilitary forces, state govt officials and other agencies in the operation...////...