The third battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) based at Mundali, near here, has kept three units in readiness for carrying out search and rescue operations in quake-hit Nepal.
“We have already received message from the NDRF headquarters for keeping the force ready. The well-trained personnel would make a move to the quake-hit areas as soon as we receive a message,” said M. K. Yadav, commandant of NDRF’s Third Battalion, here on Sunday.
Mr. Yadav said these three units are well trained in CSSR (Collapse Structure Search and Rescue) operations and they will also take modern equipment for cutting and lifting of structures with them.
“There will be medical component in all the three teams. Doctors and paramedics would pitch in with their service if situation demands. Three dog squads will also be dispatched,” he said.
The operational area of the NDRF’s third battalion is Odisha, Chhatisghar and 19 districts of Madhya Pradesh. During past couple of years, the NDRF has done commendable job in search and rescue operations especially during two back to back storms – Phailin and Hud Hud - that hit Odisha coast.
Besides, the NDRF personnel had also proved their mettle in recent collapse of structures at Balasore and Cuttack in Odisha and Kanker in Chhattisgarh. The third battalion has total strength of 1,149 personnel divided in 18 units.
