The Indian Army on Wednesday rescued a trekker who was trapped on a hill in Malampuzha village of Kerala’s Palakkad district, The Indian Express reported.

R Babu, 23, had been trapped in a niche on the Kurumbachi hill for over 40 hours without food and water.

Earlier on Wednesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said that efforts were in full swing to rescue Babu. Two units of the Army were called for assistance. The government had also sought help from the Air Force.

On February 7, Babu had trekked up the mountain with two of his friends. However, the other two abandoned the effort halfway, while Babu continued to climb, according to NDTV.

The 23-year-old then slipped and got stuck inside a small cavity on the side of the hill. He had also injured his leg in the process. His friends, who attempted to rescue him initially, had then reached out to authorities for help.

On Monday night, District Disaster Management Authority officials and volunteers attempted to rescue Babu but could not reach him.

The district administration then asked the Indian Coast Guard to assist in the operation. A chopper made several sorties in the area but returned as an airlift plan failed due to poor weather.

On Tuesday, the spokesperson for the defence unit in Trivandrum said that mountaineering experts from the Indian Army have been be sent for the rescue operation. The spokesperson also said that the Indian Coast Guard chopper will make sorties in the early hours on Wednesday.

The Army personnel brought the youth back to safety by 10.08 am. Local bodies and the National Disaster Response Force also assisted in the operation, reported PTI.

After the rescue, Babu thanked the the Indian Army.

In a tweet, Vijayan said that the “worries have been put to rest” as the youth has been rescued.

“The treatment and care needed to regain his health will be provided now,” he added. “Thanks to the soldiers who led the rescue operation and everyone who provided timely support.”