The Fourth Battalion of National Disaster Response Forces (NDRF), Arakkonam, held a drill to explain an earthquake scenario and to demonstrate rescue measures, at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) here on Friday.
In her special address, Rekha Nambiar, Senior Commandant, Fourth Battalion, pointed out that Coimbatore city came under the Zone III category of seismic zone, which indicated moderate risk during a possible earthquake. “Disaster knows no time. Preparing for it means half the battle is won,” Ms. Nambiar said.
A presentation on disasters and precautionary measures was given by Rajan Baalu, Deputy Commandant, Fourth Battalion. He said that 35 out of 72 wards were identified as high-risk wards, which includes Selvapuram, VOC Nagar and TNAU.
Mr. Baalu explained the ‘Drop, Cover, Hold On’ procedure to be followed during earthquake to minimise injuries.
A demonstration on methods to control bleeding, carrying injured persons and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was held.
Later, a team of NDRF members wearing orange colour uniforms and another team from Rapid Action Force wearing blue colour uniforms gathered at a safe location – the lawn in front of the auditorium – to conduct the drill.
Towards the end of the demonstration, an NDRF member glided down a rope from the first floor with his body parallel to the ground and made a mid-air salute, which prompted the onlookers to applaud the feat.
Balaji Raju, Area Commandant, District Home Guards, told The Hindu that the volunteers for the drill were from the Home Guards and that NDRF had offered to train the Home Guards at Arakkonam.
