The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) battalion, stationed at Arakkonam, and the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services on Wednesday jointly conducted a pre-monsoon preparedness drill.
Around 100 personnel were involved in the rescue drills at the Kapaleeshwarar temple tank in Mylapore. Speaking to press persons, N. Sundaradevan, Commissioner of Disaster Mitigation Department, said “Resources have been mobilised to deal with cyclones and other weather conditions during the monsoon. Anyone in need of assistance must call 101 or alert the State disaster helpline 1070.”
R. Nataraj, Director, Fire and Rescue Services, said 6,500 fire service personnel would function in a coordinated manner with the NDRF in the flood mitigation operations. According to him, during last year's monsoon, the Department received 1,153 calls and its personnel were involved in the rescue of 477 persons. Sixteen rubber boats are on standby in the low-level localities in Chennai and its suburbs to rescue stranded persons. In order to cope with incidents of wall collapse and uprooting of trees, all fire stations in the city have been equipped with iron cutters, pneumatic lifting bags and power saws. “Five emergency rescue vehicles are also on the ready in case of major flooding incidents,” said Mr. Nataraj. In case of power failure during the monsoon in a flood-hit area, a portable inflatable emergency lighting system has been procured to aid in the rescue and relief efforts.
