NDRF rendering valuable services to flood victims in Bihar

Patna, Aug 23 (PTI) Pressed into relief and rescue work inthe Bihar floods, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)has rescued more than 14,000 people in the state so far. In addition to engaging 10 teams from its 9th battalionbased at Bihta, the NDRF has mobilised six teams from Chennaiand five from Bathinda in Punjab to assist the Bihargovernment in meeting the challenges due to the swellingwaters of the Ganga and the other rivers, DIG, NDRF SS Guleriatold reporters here. Accompanied by Commandant, 9th Battalion, NDRF VijaySinha, the DIG said altogether, 900 rescue workers with 1,000life jackets and 84 divers were rendering round-the-clockservices to rescue those marooned. A total of 100 boats were being operated by the NDRF forthe victims, he added. NDRF personnel yesterday rescued a man who was stuck at atree-top near Danapur area in Patna district for two days andtook him to a camp, Deputy Commandant KK Singh said. The NDRF DIG said the force was operating three waterambulances carrying medicines, especially those for snakebite, halogen tablets and other water-borne diseases. Asked about the difficulties faced by NDRF, Guleria, whosupervised the force’s operation during the floods in Jammuand Kashmir and Chennai earlier, said the current in the Gangawas proving to be a big challenge for the personnel. Asked if they were facing a tough time in meeting thedemands to ferry VIPs instead of those marooned, the DIG saidthey have been "categorically" instructed by the PrincipalSecretary, Disaster Management, Vyasji, "not to entertain" anyVIPs other than those recommended by the district magistratesof the affected areas. PTI SNS DKBRC