Police, disaster response teams ready for rescue work in Chennai
The Hindu
16,000 police personnel and 1,500 Home Guards have been asked to be on standby; specialised rescue teams equipped with lifejackets, inflated boats and protective equipment ready
The Greater Chennai Police on Friday prepared to take up relief and rescue operations in anticipation of heavy rain under the influence of Cyclone Mandous.
Commissioner of Police Shankar Jiwal on Friday deputed personnel of the District Disaster Response Force (DDRF) to various places in the city for rescue work.
At the Rajarathinam Stadium, Mr. Jiwal inspected arrangements and checked the availability of inflated rescue boats, lifejackets and protective equipment to the personnel.
Mr. Jiwal said: “We have taken all precautionary measures in view of Cyclone Mandous. Over 16,000 police personnel and 1,500 personnel from Home Guards have been mobilised for round the clock duty.”
“In addition, we have readied specialised rescue and relief teams. Based on lessons from previous monsoon, we have readied equipment, men and boats. Altogether, we have deployed 12 teams which were provided with cutters, lighting arrangements besides four more teams with boats which will be deployed to places for rescuing people stranded in low-lying areas and to handle medical emergencies,” said Mr. Jiwal.
A 40-member team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is on standby.
Patrol vehicles were moving on streets and using public address systems to advise people on cyclone forecast and about other precautionary measures they could take.