The Centre on Monday stepped up relief and rescue operations in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh where the fury unleashed by the retreating monsoon have claimed more than 240 lives and caused widespread destruction of property.
The Centre rushed in additional trained personnel and more motorised boats to help rescue operations in five districts each of the two States bearing the brunt of incessant rains and flooding.
As many as 714 trained personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) along with 235 inflatable motorised boats, 310 lifebuoys and 225 lifejackets have been deployed in Kurnool, Krishna, Mehboob Nagar and Nandyal districts of Andhra Pradesh for rescue and relief operations.
Over 700 Army personnel (seven columns) along with 23 special boats, 11 out boat motors, 430 lifejackets and 11 rescue teams from the Navy have been deployed in Guntur, Mehboob Nagar and Vijaywada districts.
Three medical teams of the Army have also pitched in the relief operations in Kurnool, Mehboob Nagar and Vijaywada districts of Andhra Pradesh.
In Karnataka, Army sent in 12 special boats, six out boat motors, 200 lifejackets and additional personnel armed with digging instruments have been deployed in affected districts.
In Gadag and Karwar districts, four diving teams are aiding relief operations while an additional 22-member contingent is also deployed in Karwar.