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Meghalaya unites to defend its legacy

June 22, 2025, 1:38 am

A honeymoon tragedy in Meghalaya sparked controversy, but locals united to defend their state’s honour.

GUWAHATI: For a few days, Meghalaya, known for its clouds and picturesque beauty, became a place of safety concerns. This happened when a newlywed couple arrived for their honeymoon and went missing in the Sohra district. Sohra is home to Cherrapunji, once marketed as “India ka sabse jyada barish.” In those friendly yet harsh torrential rains, hundreds of personnel from the state police, NDRF, SDRF, and local villagers came together—not for a cultural festival, but to search for the missing couple.

What happened after the incident?

On May 23, the newlywed couple, Sonam and Raja Raghuvanshi, left around 10 am for a trek and disappeared. Their scooter was found abandoned the next day on the Shillong–Sohra road, sparking a missing persons inquiry. What followed were conspiracy theories alleging that the couple was murdered by locals. Sonam’s family, from Madhya Pradesh, reportedly wrote to the Chief Minister, possibly requesting a CBI investigation.

Social media was rife with trolling, with harsh comments targeting Meghalaya, some even accusing “NE tribals” of murder. This onslaught endangered the reputation of Meghalaya’s police and locals, most of whom depend on tourism—from running cafes and shops to hosting guests in homestays.

Search operation amid pressure

As pressure mounted, authorities sprang into action. The search began with locating the couple. On June 2, Raja’s decomposed body was discovered beneath Wei Sawdong Falls—a three-tiered waterfall in Cherrapunji where the couple had gone in isolation. Even after the body’s recovery, suspicion toward locals persisted—until June 9, when Sonam surrendered in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, claiming she had been kidnapped.

Police subsequently arrested Raj Kushwaha and three other suspects. June 9 dramatically shifted the narrative, clearing Meghalaya of the false accusations. The investigation continues, with police establishing links and piecing together the case. Locals took it upon themselves to help clear Meghalaya’s name. Over 500 security personnel, including NDRF and SDRF teams, worked on the ground. Villagers assisted by providing information, and even food, to officials navigating the difficult jungle terrain.

The Sunday Guardian spoke to Vivek Syiem, Superintendent of Police (SP) of East Khasi Hills District, who is spearheading the investigation. He emphasised the vital role of the locals, saying they aided the police and agencies throughout the operation. Some even offered meals to the officials working in the tough conditions near Wei Sawdong Falls. Reporters visiting Sohra found that many residents were determined to restore the region’s reputation.

Albert Pde, a local tourist guide—possibly the last person to see Raja alive—tipped off the police that three other men were with the couple, none of whom were locals. All three spoke in Hindi, leading police to widen their investigation. This lead proved crucial in the eventual arrests.

Tourists are back, regulations await

The Sunday Guardian visited Nongriat’s Living Roots Bridge and Wei Sawdong Falls, where tourists showed renewed enthusiasm. “This was a personal incident. Why blame the locals?” said Apurva from West Bengal. A family from Bihar, visiting the same spot where the couple was last seen, praised the locals’ hospitality. “I lost my wife’s purse here, and locals returned it. I give this place a 10 on 10,” said Dr Dilip.

While conspiracy theories—including claims of black magic—circulated, two things remained constant: the clouds of Meghalaya and the locals’ warm greeting, “Khublei,” a Khasi word meaning “thank you” or “blessing.” Following the case, calls for an Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya have gained traction. ILP is an official travel document issued by the Indian government that allows citizens to enter protected areas for a limited time.

The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO), a local pressure group, staged a demonstration in Shillong demanding ILP enforcement and condemning the defamation of the state. Donbok Dkhar, HITO President, told NewsX, “They commit crimes here and flee.

There’s no mechanism to deal with it.” Meanwhile, the Meghalaya cabinet has decided to strengthen resident safety legislation and approved a major land repurposing initiative to boost tourism infrastructure. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that the cabinet will revisit the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) to tackle criminal activities disguised as tourism. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents while continuing to welcome genuine tourists,” Sangma said on social media. Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh added, “Meghalaya is a getaway. Tourists are like family to us. But come with clean hands— if any crime is committed, the police will come after you.”

Telangana Tunnel Disaster: NDRF, Army Teams Begin SLBC Rescue Operation

February 23, 2025, 4:48 am

Rescue operations are underway in full force at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel near Domalpenta in Telangana, where a part of the tunnel caved in on Saturday, trapping eight workers inside. Teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel and other rescue teams have ventured into the tunnel to perform the rescue operation. Indian Army’s Engineer Task Force (ETF) has also been sent to aid the ongoing process.

#WATCH | Nagarkurnool, Telangana: NDRF personnel and other rescue teams enter the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel near Domalpenta after it collapsed yesterday. At least eight workers are feared trapped.

Indian Army’s Engineer Task Force (ETF) has also been mobilised to… pic.twitter.com/TveaZC8Rci

— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2025

Telangana Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, who visited the accident spot in Nagarkurnool district, some 150 km from Hyderabad, said that the government was employing the services of experts, including those who had rescued workers in a similar accident at Uttarakhand last year. He assured that Indian Army and NDRF personnel have been deployed to expedite the operation.

Details of the Incident

The mishap occurred when a part of the under-construction SLBC tunnel collapsed, trapping eight workers. Two of the trapped workers were engineers from an infrastructure company, two were operators from an American company, and four were laborers. The workers were from different states such as Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. Fresh air is being supplied to the tunnel to keep them alive, sources confirmed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, asking about the incident and offering complete support from the central government for the rescue operations. An Army team is also on its way to the site to bolster the rescue efforts.

The SLBC construction work had been resumed very recently at the SLBC project site, and there were about 50 workers in the tunnel together with a 200-meter-long tunnel boring machine on the fateful day during their working hours. In fulfillment of the work under the project, the employees had traveled approximately 13.5 km down the tunnel before the roof unexpectedly collapsed. Although 42 workers could escape and scampered towards the exit, eight people, among them two engineers in front of the machine, became trapped.

The Great Rescue Mission

Rescue efforts are found to be very taxing as the collapsed structure is complicated. Trapped people are located about 14 km deep within the tunnel. Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy confirmed that the workers inside heard a deafening noise and felt a geological upheaval before the tunnel section collapsed. The government is doing its best to rescue those still trapped within, in close coordination with professionals who were instrumental in such rescue operations.

NDRF and SDRF teams reached the site on time. The path up to the 13th km within the tunnel is safe, but after that, the collapse at the 14th km point has created difficulty in rescue operations. Drones are being used to survey the debris and guide the teams that are moving within the tunnel. Government officials reported that although the path is largely open to a point, the overall structural integrity of the tunnel is still in question.

Government and Expert Response

Chief Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy updated Prime Minister Modi on the situation, telling him that state ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy and Jupally Krishna Rao are on the spot, closely observing the rescue operations.

Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) Chairman and Managing Director N Balram has confirmed that a 19-member rescue team of the coal mining company had been sent to aid in the rescue operation. The SCCL team, headed by a general manager-level officer, is an expert in rescuing people trapped in underground collapses and has the equipment required to aid the operation.

Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy was concerned about the accident and asked why the collapse had taken place. He ordered officials to give top priority to rescuing those trapped safely and to take injured workers to the hospital.

In the meantime, Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy set forth the importance of the SLBC tunnel project, categorizing it as the “world’s longest tunnel at 44 km.” The project seeks to divert water from the Srisailam project into irrigating more than four lakh acres of land in the Nalgonda district. He avowed that around 9.5 km of work is left on the tunnel.

Ongoing Rescue Efforts

As the rescue operation goes on, teams work day and night to access the trapped workers. The largest issue is that the site of collapse has a high level of debris, and therefore, teams have not been able to reach the precise location of the trapped workers.

“A massive amount of slush is accumulating on the accident site, hence rescue personnel are going in via drones to identify possible hazards while advancing. Rescue work will also be done for the night,” said sources in PTI. The officials remain hopeful but prudent since the scenario inside the tube remains unstable.

The government has guaranteed that all measures will be taken to rescue the trapped laborers. CM Reddy remains keeping a close watch on the situation and ordered the officials to accelerate the process to get the workers safely out of the tunnel.

With several agencies such as the NDRF, SDRF, SCCL, and the Indian Army working around the clock, authorities are confident that the people trapped will be rescued safely. More updates about the rescue effort are likely as the process goes on throughout the night.

Punjab: Eight People Died On The Spot After Bus Falls From Bridge Into Drain, Cause To be Probed

December 27, 2024, 5:12 pm

At least eight people were killed in a bus accident in Punjab’s Bathinda on Friday, Bathinda Urban MLA Jagroop Singh Gill said, adding that five died on the spot while three succumbed to serious injuries during treatment.

Gill was briefed by the Bathinda civil surgeon, Dr. Ramandeep Singla, when the MLA visited Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Civil Hospital in Bathinda city, where 18 injured passengers are currently being treated.

“Five died on the spot while three succumbed to serious injuries during treatment. Nearly 18 are being treated at the Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Civil Hospital. The health officials have instructed to ensure treatment,” Gill told HT.

The accident occurred near Jiwan Singh Wala village in Bathinda when a bus fell into a drain after crashing a bridge. A rescue operation is underway with the help of NDRF, police, and locals.

The private bus was on the way from Talwandi Sabo to Bathinda city when it skidded and fell into a drain. Top civil and police officials are on the spot to supervise rescue operations.

Identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed by the district authorities.

Eyewitnesses said the bus crashed through the railing of a bridge before it fell into the filthy drain.

District officials said it was raining in Bathinda when the accident occurred, and the cause of the mishap will be probed.

Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray said soon after the accident, villagers rushed to rescue, and they managed to save lives. A detailed investigation is underway to confirm how many people were onboard.

Soon after the accident, district officials, including DC Parray and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amneet Kondal, rushed to the spot.

Over 20 passengers were injured when a private bus met with an accident over a bridge and plunged a few feet down below into a ‘nullah’ on Friday, police said.

The accident occurred when the bus was en route to Bathinda from Talwandi Sabo. Locals rushed to the spot immediately to help the people get out of the bus, the officials said.

Police and district administration also launched a rescue operation and took the injured to a hospital, they added.

The weather was inclement in the area, the officials said.

In Punjab, a bus accident on Friday resulted in eight deaths after the vehicle fell into a drain. According to Bathinda Urban MLA Jagroop Singh Gill, five individuals died on the spot while three others succumbed to serious injuries during treatment.

A bus accident in Bathinda, Punjab, resulted in the death of at least eight people, according to Bathinda Urban MLA Jagroop Singh Gill.

The accident occurred when the bus was en route to Bathinda from Talwandi Sabo. Locals rushed to the spot immediately to help the people get out of the bus.

Police and district administration also launched a rescue operation and took the injured to a hospital.

The weather was inclement in the area.

This is a developing story. Further details awaited.

Cyclone Fengal : Schools and Colleges Closed in Puducherry

December 3, 2024, 6:32 am

The Puducherry government has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges on Tuesday, December 3. Heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Fengal prompted this decision, announced by Education Minister A Namachivayam.

Financial Help for Affected Families

Chief Minister N Rangaswamy announced ₹5,000 relief for all ration cardholders affected by the cyclone. He explained, “Due to cyclone Fengal, Puducherry received 48% rainfall, which was unexpected. The Puducherry government has decided to provide relief assistance of ₹5,000 to all ration cardholders affected by the cyclone.”

Aid for Farmers and Fishermen

Cyclone Fengal damaged 10,000 hectares of crops in Puducherry. The government will compensate affected farmers with ₹30,000 per hectare.

The floods also harmed the fishing community. Fifty boats were damaged. The government announced ₹10,000 per boat for repairs.

Severe Flooding in Coastal Areas

The cyclone caused heavy rains in north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The Sankaraparani River overflowed, flooding over 200 homes in NR Nagar. Residents in these areas remain stranded.

Rescue Operations in Full Swing

Rescue teams, including the Indian Army and NDRF, are working round the clock. They are using boats to navigate flooded streets and evacuate stranded people.

Cyclone Fengal has left a trail of destruction. The government is taking steps to provide relief and support recovery efforts.

9 Dead as Heavy Rains Batter Andhra and Telangana

September 1, 2024, 7:07 pm

Torrential rains continued to wreak havoc in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for the second consecutive day, resulting in severe flooding, submerging houses, and leaving cars stranded. According to the South Central Railway, the relentless downpour has led to the cancellation of over 20 trains and the diversion of more than 30 others across both states.

In Andhra Pradesh, several villages, including Ambapuram, Nainavaram, Nunna, and Pathapadu in the Vijayawada Rural Mandal, were completely submerged. Police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have launched rescue and relief operations, evacuating residents to rehabilitation centers.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned about Cyclone “Asna,” a deep depression over the Arabian Sea, which is expected to move west-northwest, away from the Indian coast within the next 24 hours. The depression over north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha has been responsible for the heavy rainfall in these regions over the past two days. According to an IMD official, it crossed the coast near Kalingapatnam early Sunday.

The weather office stated, “Depression over South Odisha and adjoining South Chhattisgarh and north Andhra Pradesh is about 60 km southeast of Jagdalpur, 70 km northeast of Malkangiri. It is likely to move across South Odisha, South Chhattisgarh, and Vidarbha and weaken into a Well-Marked Low-Pressure Area during the next 24 hours.”

Nine Dead in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation with senior officials and directed the use of technologies such as drones to assess the flooding and plan relief operations accordingly. Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha reported that 13,227 people were evacuated from 294 villages across five districts.

“Nine people have died due to the heavy rains so far. Police, NDRF, and SDRF teams have rescued 600 people from the affected areas. A total of 17 NDRF and SDRF teams have conducted rescue operations in 22 submerged locations across seven districts,” said Anitha in an official release.

In the NTR district, passengers were stranded at the station after the Tamil Nadu Express was halted due to flooding in Rayanapadu village. Authorities had to transport passengers to Vijayawada via RTC buses and later used tractors and JCBs to move them to the Hyderabad-Vijayawada national highway when the flood situation failed to improve.

Heavy Rain Disrupts Life in Telangana

In Telangana, heavy rain has severely disrupted normal life, particularly in Hyderabad and other parts of the state. The downpour has caused widespread waterlogging, with rivulets overflowing and cutting off road links between villages in some districts.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy held an emergency review meeting with ministers, officials, and elected representatives to assess the situation. He instructed ministers, MPs, MLAs, and MLCs to remain in their respective areas and actively participate in relief efforts.

In a tragic incident in Mahabubabad, Telangana, a young scientist, Dr. Nunavath Ashwini, was found dead after being washed away by floodwaters. She was associated with the ICAR – National Institute of Biotic Stress Management in Raipur. Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate her missing father.

Star Indian Spinner ‘In A Very Bad Situation’, Rescued By NDRF

August 29, 2024, 9:30 am

Several cities in Gujarat are reeling under heavy rainfall, resulting in a flood-like situation across the state. Vadodara, in particular, has been severely impacted, with flooding in numerous low-lying areas after the Vishwamitri River breached its banks and inundated residential neighborhoods.

Radha Yadav Rescued by NDRF Amid Vadodara Floods

Indian left-arm spinner Radha Yadav shared a video on her Instagram story on Wednesday, revealing that she was trapped in a “very bad situation” due to the floods in Vadodara. The video showed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) officials rescuing people by boat as buildings, roads, and vehicles remained submerged. “We are stuck in a very bad situation. Thank you so much #NDRF for rescuing us,” Radha wrote.

Irfan Pathan Urges Baroda Residents to Stay Safe

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan also took to social media platform X, advising Baroda residents to stay indoors due to the widespread flooding. “Stay safe, Baroda. Flooding is widespread, so please stay indoors for your own safety,” Pathan urged.

Saurashtra Region Hit Hard by Torrential Rains

The Saurashtra region, including districts like Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Rajkot, and Porbandar, received between 50mm and 200mm of rainfall within a 12-hour period on Wednesday. Bhanvad taluka in Devbhumi Dwarka recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 185mm during this period. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted extremely heavy rains in isolated areas of Saurashtra on Thursday.

Massive Rescue Operations Underway

Rescue operations are in full swing in flood-affected areas, with teams from the NDRF, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and three Army columns actively relocating people to safer locations. The Indian Air Force and the Coast Guard are also involved in rescue and relief efforts. Officials reported that around 17,800 people have been relocated, and another 2,000 have been rescued so far.

Rising Death Toll in Gujarat

The flood crisis in Gujarat has claimed 26 lives in rain-related incidents over the past three days, with fatalities reported in Rajkot, Anand, Mahisagar, Kheda, Ahmedabad, Morbi, Junagadh, and Bharuch districts. On Tuesday alone, at least nine people lost their lives due to incidents like wall collapses and drowning across different parts of the state.

As rescue operations continue and rains persist, authorities urge residents in affected areas to remain indoors and prioritize their safety.

Gujarat Rains: CM Patel Orders Evacuations, Assures Support to SDRF and NDRF

August 25, 2024, 5:25 pm

Amid relentless heavy rainfall in Gujarat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has directed officials to begin evacuations from low-lying areas to safer locations. The Chief Minister held a meeting on Sunday, issuing instructions and reviewing the situation in the state’s worst-hit districts, including Valsad, Tapi, Navsari, Surat, Narmada, and Panchmahal.

In a statement, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) reported that CM Patel had telephonic discussions with the collectors of the affected districts to assess the situation and assured the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) of full state support.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, the highest rainfall recorded on Sunday morning was 64 mm in Sagbara taluk of Narmada district between 6 am and 8 am. Over the past 24 hours, Vapi in Valsad district recorded the maximum rainfall of 326 mm.

Heavy downpours and waterlogging have severely disrupted daily life across parts of the state. In Valsad, SDM Astha Solanki reported that around 120 mm of rainfall since last night led to rising water levels in Kashmir Nagar, prompting the evacuation of nearly 100 families.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert on Sunday, warning of “extremely heavy rainfall” in Gujarat. The IMD also issued red alerts for East Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh, Konkan and Goa, Central Maharashtra, and the North-Eastern states of Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura. An orange alert has been issued for West Rajasthan, Gangetic West Bengal, Coastal Karnataka, and the North-Eastern states of Assam and Meghalaya.

The government continues to monitor the situation closely, with rescue operations underway and measures in place to prevent further damage and casualties.

Tripura Floods: NDRF Evacuates 125, IAF Drops Over 4,000 Food Packets

August 24, 2024, 2:05 pm

In a significant rescue operation, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) evacuated 125 individuals from flood-hit regions of Tripura on Friday evening. According to officials, 11 NDRF teams have been deployed across the state to carry out rescue and relief missions.

On August 24, the Indian Air Force (IAF) announced that its helicopters had air-dropped over 4,000 food packets to locals stranded in disaster-affected areas. The IAF shared on X, “#IAF Mi-17 and ALH helicopters continue relentless efforts in Tripura flood relief operations, with NDRF personnel inducted into disaster-struck areas.” The relief operations have airlifted 28 tons of material to assist flood victims in regions like Rangamati, Jatanbari, Udaipur, and others.

On August 23, the NDRF reported via X, “In today’s rescue operations, NDRF rescuers evacuated 125 people and retrieved one deceased in Karbook and Amarpur of Gomti, Sepahijala, and Khowai areas.”

Tripura’s Chief Minister Manik Saha will chair an all-party meeting on Saturday to assess the ongoing flood situation. Earlier, he assured citizens that the situation was under control and expressed gratitude to the central government for its assistance.

According to the latest data, 24 people have died, two were injured, and two others remain missing due to the floods. The state has also suffered extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and livestock. Since August 19, 558 relief camps have been established to aid affected citizens.

Tripura Floods: Shah Assures Support, NDRF Teams and Aid Mobilised

August 22, 2024, 1:38 pm

Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a telephonic conversation with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday, taking stock of the worsening flood situation in the state. During the call, Shah assured the Chief Minister of all possible support from the Centre and informed that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, along with boats and helicopters, are being dispatched to assist the state in relief and rescue operations.

“Spoke with CM Tripura, @DrManikSaha2 Ji, and took stock of the flood situation in the state. The Centre is rushing teams of NDRF, apart from boats and helicopters, to the state to assist the local government in relief and rescue operations. Assured of all possible assistance from the Centre as and when required. The Modi government firmly stands with our sisters and brothers in Tripura during this hour of crisis,” Shah posted on X.

Heavy rains in the past few days have led to the overflowing of the Gomati River, causing severe flooding in several parts of the state, particularly in the capital city of Agartala. As a result, over 30,000 people have been displaced and moved to relief camps. There are also reports of casualties due to the floods.

Chief Minister Saha has been actively monitoring the situation, visiting flood-affected areas and relief camps in Agartala. He stated that the state government’s top priority is rescue and relief efforts. Currently, 321 relief camps are operational across the state to provide shelter and essential services to those displaced.

The Chief Minister also confirmed that one NDRF team from Assam has already arrived, with four more teams expected from Arunachal Pradesh soon. The government is focused on ensuring the safety, health, and hygiene of people stranded in the affected areas while continuing to coordinate rescue missions for those in vulnerable locations.

NDRF’s Efforts in Wayanad Landslide Rescue Operations

August 1, 2024, 6:29 pm

After nature’s havoc in Kerala’s Wayanad, Piyush Anand, Director General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), stated on Thursday that four teams are currently on the ground, striving to save as many people as possible.

Anand told ANI, “We responded immediately. The situation is still unfolding. It’s a very bad disaster that has happened. Specifically, how many casualties, it’s not possible to give the number as of now. The main challenge that we faced was that the main bridge washed away. Our team had to cross the bridge, which was flowing at a high current, and then they had to set up a rescue center there. There was a lot of mud and slush; our men had to carry their equipment on their backs, which was very heavy.”

He further mentioned that there are currently 12 teams in Kerala, with four of them in Wayanad.

“NDRF teams are engaged in rescue work. Our four teams are present there. We rescued people using the rope rescue technique. The Indian Army and Air Force are also present; the Indian Army is trying to build a Bailey bridge. The Air Force has rescued many people and has also delivered food items to the trapped people. We are trying our best to save as many people as possible. It has been a great cooperative effort as many agencies are involved in this,” the NDRF DG said.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized on Thursday that the main priority now is the rescue of missing persons, with rehabilitation to be initiated at the earliest.

The Chief Minister chaired a high-level meeting today that was attended by leaders of all political parties, state ministers, and other officials.

Two massive landslides struck Mundakkai and Churalmala in Wayanad in the early hours of July 30, causing extensive destruction, loss of lives, and injury to hundreds, as per the Kerala Revenue Department.

NDRF DIG Mohsen Shahidi reported that over 200 deaths have been declared, and bodies were being recovered on Thursday following the landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad.

Wayanad Landslides: Death Toll Rises To 167, Rescue Efforts Continue

July 31, 2024, 9:14 pm

Wayanad Landslides News LIVE Updates: Rescue operations in Wayanad continue this morning following the devastating landslides that claimed over 158 lives and injured about 167 people. The efforts involve units from the army, NDRF, and other emergency services as they search for victims and possible survivors under collapsed roofs and debris from destroyed homes.

The 122 Infantry Battalion of the Territorial Army, stationed at a local school in Meppadi, began their second day of rescue operations.

In addition, several army companies from Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru have been deployed to Calicut by road and air, bringing disaster relief specialists, medical teams, ambulances, and other essential equipment.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the mountain district of Wayanad, which has been severely impacted by landslides triggered by incessant rains, as well as all northern districts of Kerala. The red alert indicates that extremely heavy rainfall, exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours, is expected in these regions.

In addition to Wayanad, the red alert covers eight districts. An orange alert, which signifies very heavy rainfall between 11 cm and 20 cm, was issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts on Tuesday. A yellow alert, indicating heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm, is also in place for several regions.

These warnings come as rescue and relief operations continue in the landslide-affected areas.

Mumbai Flooding: Viral Old Video Of Gateway Of India Captures Monsoon Fury

July 22, 2024, 5:12 pm

Mumbai (Maharashtra) – Mumbai residents have been dealing with heavy rain for the second day in a row. The latest monsoon showers have caused severe waterlogging and disrupted traffic, affecting both public and private transportation across the city.

In the midst of this, an old video of the Gateway of India has gone viral on social media. The video shows powerful waves crashing against the iconic monument and the area around it completely submerged in water. HT.com cannot confirm when or where this video was taken, but it has sparked a lot of reactions online.

Stay safe, Mumbai! pic.twitter.com/6kXiPsfCqw

— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) July 22, 2024

Here’s how people are reacting to the video:

– “Oh my God! People of Mumbai, please stay safe from these unexpected cyclones and heavy winds sweeping across India. Never seen anything like this before!” said one person.
– “Scary visuals, Mumbaikars please stay safe,” added another.
– “Thinking of everyone affected by the floods in Mumbai. Stay safe and take all necessary precautions. Hope the situation improves soon,” wrote a third.
– “Stay safe, Mumbai! Take care of yourselves and each other. Let’s weather the storm together,” commented a fourth.
– “In Colaba now and nothing like this is happening…” expressed another.

Many people in the comments are praying for the safety of Mumbai residents and hoping for better conditions soon.

Mumbai is currently facing intense monsoon weather. This morning, the city saw a heavy downpour, with Mulund and Malabar Hills recording 34 mm of rain in just one hour. In the last 24 hours, there has been 135 mm of rainfall, causing widespread waterlogging and traffic jams.

To make matters worse, a high tide of 4.59 meters is expected around 1 p.m., which could increase flood risks.

In response, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has sent three teams to help with the situation. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued a yellow alert for the city, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and the possibility of extremely heavy rain in some areas.

Kerala: Sanitation Worker’s Body Recovered After 46 Hour Operation

July 15, 2024, 1:31 pm

A sanitation worker, identified as Joy, was tragically found dead on Monday morning after a strenuous 46-hour search operation in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Joy, aged 47 and a contractual laborer, had gone missing while cleaning the Amayizhanchan Canal near Thampanoor Central Railway Station on Saturday.

The discovery a sanitation worker, Joy’s body, located approximately one kilometer away from where he was last seen, was confirmed by his colleagues Rajeev and Manoj. The incident occurred amidst heavy rainfall that had swept his body into a canal stretch behind Sree Chitra Home at Thakarapparambu, as reported by The New Indian Express.

The search efforts involved multiple agencies, including the fire force, police, civic workers, and the National Disaster Response Force. The Indian Navy also joined the operation following their arrival on Sunday night, as reported by Asianet News.

Despite the use of Bandicoot robots by scuba divers from the Kerala Water Authority to aid in the search, the presence of accumulated waste in the canal proved challenging. Scuba diver Vojin M noted that large bundles of garbage obstructed their efforts, making it difficult to maneuver inside the tunnel where Joy’s body was eventually found.

Joy, who had secured the canal cleaning contract from the Railways, leaves behind his mother Melhi. The incident has underscored the risks faced by sanitation workers in hazardous conditions while performing essential duties.

Efforts are underway to investigate the circumstances leading to Joy’s tragic death, with authorities focusing on improving safety measures for workers in similar environments.

Cyclone Remal Updates: NDRF Deploys 14 Teams For Relief Operations

May 26, 2024, 8:23 pm

At least 14 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been dispatched in West Bengal to aid in rescue and relief operations considering the landfall of cyclonic storm Remal, NDRF said.

According to the IMD, Cyclone Remal is expected to make landfall at midnight between the coasts of Bangladesh and the adjacent region of West Bengal today.

Previously Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a high-level meeting to evaluate the response and preparedness for Cyclone Remal, which is anticipated to make landfall tonight. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is expected to strike the area between the coasts of Bangladesh and adjacent West Bengal around midnight.

Earlier today, the IMD warned of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding in the areas likely to be impacted by Cyclone Remal. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and adhere to safety guidelines to avoid any accidents.

How Son’s Call From US Led To Trapped Parents’ Location?

May 17, 2024, 3:15 pm

It was supposed to be a quick stop at a Mumbai petrol station around 4:30 pm on May 13 to refuel their car before heading back home to Madhya Pradesh. However, strong winds caused a 250-tonne hoarding to collapse onto the couple’s red SUV at the fuel station in Ghatkopar, Mumbai.

Discovery of the Bodies

Nearly 50 hours later, late Wednesday, the bodies of retired Air Traffic Control (ATC) general manager Manoj Chansoria, 60, and his wife Anita, 59, were recovered from the car. The exact time and cause of their deaths remain undetermined. The hoarding collapse has claimed 16 lives to date.

On Thursday, Bhavesh Prabhudas Bhinde, 51, the owner of the fallen hoarding, was arrested by the Crime Branch in Udaipur. The Ghatkopar hoarding, located beside a petrol pump in Pant Nagar on the Eastern Express Highway, measured 120×120 feet, exceeding the permitted size of 40×40 feet. Bhinde, the director of Ego Media Pvt Ltd, had been booked in a rape case by Mumbai Police earlier this year.

The couple’s last rites were performed at a crematorium in Sahar on Thursday. They were related to actor Kartik Aaryan. According to colleagues, the couple was in Mumbai to handle paperwork for their visa to visit their son Yash, who lives in the United States. Officials mentioned that their son had been unable to reach them since Monday afternoon. “Their son had been trying to contact them since 5 pm on May 13. Unable to reach Manoj and with Anita not answering her phone, he contacted his father’s colleagues for help,” a former colleague told The Indian Express.

Efforts to Locate the Couple

Chansoria had been stationed in Mumbai for nearly a year before his retirement. Some of his colleagues visited the Marol guest house where the couple was staying but found no sign of them.

Following their son’s request, Chansoria’s former colleagues sought assistance from the Mumbai Police to locate the couple. Using mobile network data, the police traced their last known location to Ghatkopar, adjacent to the Eastern Express Highway. Colleagues and

friends rushed to the crash site in Ghatkopar. After hours of searching, their bodies were found inside their car, trapped beneath the girder, on Wednesday afternoon.

Son’s Immediate Action and Final Rites

“As soon as he realised that his parents were missing on Monday, their son boarded a flight from the United States. Their final rites were conducted at a crematorium in Sahar on Thursday,” a family friend said, adding that Chansoria, who retired on March 31, is related to actor Kartik Aaryan.

Chansoria joined the Airports Authority of India as a senior manager in 1996. Over his career, he served as the airport director in Indore and Amritsar before being transferred to New Delhi as general manager. In April 2023, he moved to Mumbai as general manager of air traffic management.

While 14 bodies were recovered within 24 hours of the crash, a senior Mumbai Fire Brigade official at the site mentioned that the couple’s remains were only recovered from the rubble around midnight on Wednesday. The official told The Indian Express that retrieving their bodies “took much longer” due to one of the five massive girders from the 120-foot hoarding pinning their car down.

Detailed Recovery Process

“Their car was found in the middle of the crash

site. It was almost flattened due to the weight and pressure of the girder. Each metal girder was extremely large and heavy. Though petrol supply to the station was shut off immediately after the incident on Monday to prevent potential fires, we could not use gas cutters for the first two days due to petrol vapors and fumes in the vicinity. We received clearance to use gas cutters late on Tuesday. Even then, we had to exercise extreme caution, including having multiple fire hose lines for water supply to prevent any fire outbreaks,” a Fire official said.

When the girder was finally cut, rescue agencies used a backhoe excavator to pull the car from beneath. “We had to cut the car doors and then the roof to extract their bodies,” the officer explained, adding that their remains were “almost decomposed” when recovered. Medical officials at Rajawadi Hospital, where the bodies were taken immediately after extraction, confirmed that the bodies were in a decomposed state.

Hours after the Chansorias were found, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) chief Bhushan Gagrani visited the site on Thursday morning. Announcing the end of search and rescue operations at 10:30 am, he told journalists, “We are now working to remove the rubble. That work is expected to take a while since there is substantial debris at the spot.”

Challenges in Rescue Work

Several laborers and officials at the site attributed the slow pace of rescue work to petrol, diesel, and compressed natural gas (CNG) storage tanks buried in the debris. Due to the presence of these fuels, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other rescue agencies could not use gas cutters to expedite their work.

“This was an active petrol pump where fuel was stored, so we had to carry out the rescue operation very carefully. Equipment like gas cutters couldn’t be used to remove the structure faster as a precautionary measure. These factors contributed to the delay in completion of rescue operations,” Gagrani said.

NDRF Retrieves Body Of 15-Year-Old From Narmada River In Gujarat

May 16, 2024, 3:30 pm

The body of a 15-year-old boy, identified as Maitraksh Baldaniya, was found in the Narmada River at Poicha in Gujarat’s Narmada district on Thursday morning, officials confirmed. Maitraksh, the son of Bharat Bhai Baldaniya from Saniya Hemad, Surat, had been at Poicha for a picnic with a group from Surat when the tragic incident occurred.

The authorities handed over Maitraksh’s body to the civil police. This brings the total number of bodies recovered from the river to six. Among the other victims are Braj Himmatbhai Baldaniya (11), Bhargav Ashokbai Hadia (15), and Bhavesh Vallabhbhai Hadia (15). Two bodies remain unidentified.

The incident took place on May 14 when seven members of a family, including minors, were swept away by the river’s current at Poicha. Following the incident, a search operation was launched by a unit of the 6BN National Disaster Relief Force from Jarod in Vadodara district. Local divers from the National Disaster Rescue Force (NDRF) and the Vadodara fire team also participated in the search efforts.

Poicha is a popular destination for summer picnics and swimming in the Narmada River. Recently, the Narmada district administration imposed a ban on local boat operators from operating without a license in the river.

NDRF Sets Up Camp Near Ram Temple in Ayodhya Ahead of ‘Pran Pratishtha’

January 20, 2024, 3:43 pm

With just 48 hours remaining until the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Temple on January 22, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has established a camp near the shrine in Ayodhya to respond to contingencies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to perform the rituals for the consecration of Shri Ram Lalla at the temple.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Manoj Kumar Sharma, stated that three NDRF teams have been deployed in coordination with the local administration and police. One team is stationed at the ghats, and the NDRF is prepared to handle various contingencies. Elaborate security arrangements have been made across the city ahead of the grand ceremony.

Praveen Kumar, IG, Ayodhya, assured that necessary security preparations are in place, including close surveillance through drone cameras and human intelligence. The police are addressing security loopholes, and the authorities are confident that the event on January 22 will proceed smoothly.

The Ayodhya Police issued a caution against rising cybercrimes related to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony. Cybercriminals are reportedly defrauding people by sending fake QR codes for donations in the name of the Ram Temple, offering free prasad (food offered to the deity), VIP passes, and entry passes to the temple. A fake website in the name of Ram Mandir, Ayodhya, has also been created. Citizens are advised not to respond to unknown messages or donate money without verification.

The booking for ‘aarti’ passes to the Ram Janmbhoomi temple started in December, and a team of priests, led by Lakshmi Kant Dixit, will officiate the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ rituals on January 22. The idol of Shri Ram Lalla, carved by Mysuru sculptor Arun Yogiraj, was recently placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

NDRF saves 6,000 lives in 900 operations conducted in 2023

January 19, 2024, 4:01 pm

At the 19th Raising Day event of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Director General Atul Karwal revealed that in 2023, the NDRF successfully rescued over 6,000 individuals in 900 operations. Additionally, the NDRF personnel saved 51,000 people and 3,000 animals in various operations throughout the year.

During the event, Karwal addressed the need for equipment authorization, noting that the last authorization was formulated in 2006 without subsequent reviews. Drawing upon the organization’s 17 years of experience, a comprehensive new authorization has been completed for all types of equipment.

To address Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) disasters, Karwal highlighted the acquisition of Hazardous Material Vehicles. He explained, “In G20, we had the threat of CBRN. So, we made a Hazardous Material Vehicle. The cost of one such vehicle is around Rs 15 crore. MHA gave us Rs 60 crore in which we made four vehicles.” These vehicles are equipped to sense CBRN attacks, draw samples, and facilitate rescue operations during such disasters.

Karwal emphasized the significant efforts made in the past year to excel in the CBRN domain, collaborating with the Department of Atomic Energy and DRDO. The new authorization, based on their recommendations, reflects the organization’s requirements and necessary quantities. The revision of the authorization letter involved assessing equipment usage, identifying obsolete items, and recognizing heavily utilized equipment.

Summing up the efforts, Karwal stated, “This involved assessing equipment usage, identifying obsolete items, and recognizing heavily utilized equipment. The approved authorization letter was crafted considering the actual needs. The authorization letter has also been approved.”

Traffic jams, roads inundated; Chennai’s heavy rainfall disrupts daily life

December 4, 2023, 12:17 pm

Due to intense rainfall and severe waterlogging, several parts of Chennai were left under water as Cyclone Michaung made her way towards the coast of North Tamil Nadu.
The cars were completely submerged in water due to the accumulation of rainwater. There were traffic jams in several areas of the city as a result of the state experiencing waterlogging from the heavy rain that fell throughout the night. Following a period of intense rainfall in the area, Chrompet GST Road in Chennai experienced a severe traffic jam.
The Vadakarai Road from Madhavaram to Sengunram was totally submerged in water as a result of the intense rains in the northern regions of Chennai.

The NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed in the city in view of the upcoming cyclone.
Frequent Power cuts and waterlogging in the low lying areas of the city caused disruption to the normal life.
Thillai Ganga Nagar Subway in Alandur has also been closed due to heavy waterlogging in the region.
It has been raining heavily since early morning today with cyclonic winds, due to which the lakes and ponds in Chengalpattu district have filled up and the bus roads in all areas have been flooded.
Due to flooding in Kilyar Bridge near Madhuranthakam, transport to ten villages has been affected. Mahabalipuram-Chengalpattu road is completely flooded and traffic has been cut off.

Power poles have fallen and electricity has been cut off in several locations in the Mahabalipuram area due to the heavy rains and strong winds.

Silkayara Tunnel collapse: Essential items delivered to stranded workers, ‘will free all one by one’, an official claims

November 22, 2023, 2:34 pm

A team from the National and State Disaster Response Force was able to establish audio communication with the 41 workers who were trapped in a 60-meter stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel, according to Uttarakhand Secretary and Nodal Officer for the Silkayara rescue operation, Neeraj Khairwal, on Wednesday. Rescuers were also able to insert a microphone and speaker into the tunnel. The official updated a group of doctors, who also spoke with the workers and asked about their health, about the workers’ state of health. “They received the medications that they required.”

He also said that rescuers successfully delivered essential items like medicines, clothes, food and other items to the trapped workers, adding that cooked food, clothes including undergarments, toothbrushes and towels has been sent through a 6-inch pipeline in sufficient quantity.

“Some people were suffering from stomach upsets,” he said.
“A microphone and speaker have been sent through a wire in the pipeline to the labourers trapped inside the tunnel. The teams of NDRF and SDRF have also continued audio communication with the labourers,” the official said.

“The workers are very happy about the progress of the rescue operation and quite positive,” Khairwal stated, expressing hope that each trapped worker would be released one at a time. On November 12, while a tunnel was being built from Silkyara to Barkot, it collapsed, trapping 41 workers because of a muck fall that happened in a 60-meter section on the Silkyara side of the tunnel.

A total of five agencies–Oil and Natual Gas Corporation (ONGC), Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN), Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDCL)– have been assigned specific responsibilities to evacuate the 41 labourers who have been trapped in the 2-km-built portion of the under-construction structure.

Uttarakhand : 40 workers trapped in Uttarkashi under-construction tunnel collapse safe

November 13, 2023, 9:44 am

Day 2 of rescue efforts has begun at the location of the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse, which was under construction. Rescue teams are able to breach 15 meters into the tunnel, but forty workers remain trapped inside. According to rescuers, the teams still need to remove roughly 35 meters of debris in order to get to where the 40 trapped workers are. The workers who are trapped have been able to communicate with the rescuers.

Prashant Kumar, Circle Officer of Uttarkashi told “The debris is about 60 meters deep. As we are clearing the debris, it is falling from above. The present situation is, that yesterday we established communication with the people trapped inside the tunnel. We have moved around 15 metres inside the tunnel, and around 35 metres are still to be covered. Everyone is safe, we have provided oxygen and water to them. We are making our way sideways to go inside the tunnel. After establishing communication, around 40 people are trapped inside.”

The workers who are trapped inside have reportedly been given water and snacks by NDRF teams, who hope to break through the debris this evening and save the workers. We’ve succeeded in providing water and chips to the stranded laborers. We are able to attest to the workers’ safety. The search and rescue effort is still ongoing, and by this evening, we hope to have broken through the wreckage and arrived at the workers’ location in order to free them. The tunnel collapsed because the plaster work at that section was incomplete, according to Karmaveer Singh Bhandari, Assistant Commander of the NDRF.

Death toll rises to 13 in Andhra train accident, rescue operations are still in progress

October 30, 2023, 11:12 am

As rescue efforts in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh continue, the number of fatalities from the train collision has increased to 13, according to police. “So far, 13 people have died, out of whom 7 have already been identified and the process to identify bodies is underway,” stated M Deepika, the superintendant of police for Vizianagaram. Prioritizing work on track restoration was stated by Biswajit Sahu, CPRO, East Coast Railway.

“The rescue operation is over now. We have arranged buses and trains for the stranded passengers. A total of 18 trains have been cancelled and 22 trains have been diverted. We are trying to clear the track by 4 pm today,” Biswajit Sahu said.
Biswajit Sahu further said that victims with minor injuries have been admitted to the nearby Alamanda hospital.
“Passengers with minor injuries are getting first aid treatment in Alamanda Hospital, and those with serious injuries have been shifted to Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam hospital. We arranged train and buses for the stranded passengers. Many trains have been cancelled and diverted. We are informing the passengers through SMS, and we have set up a help desk.”

In the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh, a few coaches derailed after the Visakhapatnam-Ragada passenger train collided with another Visakhapatnam-Ragada train that was traveling along the same route on Sunday night, according to officials. According to the Divisional Railway Manager, the mishap involved three coaches. The passenger train traveling from Visakhapatnam to Palasa and the passenger train traveling from Visakhapatnam to Ragada collided at the rear. The accident involved three coaches. Rescue efforts have begun, and the NDRF and local government have been notified to provide support and ambulances.

NDRF continues search and rescue operations in Shimla’s landslide-hit Summer Hill

August 18, 2023, 10:08 am

On Friday, August 14, NDRF teams continued search and rescue efforts in the Shimla neighborhood of Summer Hill, which was affected by a landslide. Prior to this, NDRF reported on Thursday that a total of 13 bodies have been found, out of the 21 people who were reported missing following a significant landslide.

NDRF Inspector Nafees Khan said, “The rescue and search operation has been underway for 4 days. The Army, SDRF and the police are engaged in the ongoing rescue operations here. Of the 21 people missing, 13 bodies have been recovered so far.”

In the mishap, a family lost members spanning three generations in the mishap in which a temple in the Summer Hill area of rain-battered Shimla district was washed away following a landslide triggered by Monday’s cloudburst.
According to officials, seven members of the family, including three children were inside the Shiv temple when it collapsed.

Meanwhile, Vikramaditya Singh, the public works minister for Himachal Pradesh, announced on Thursday that the Central Government had authorized Rs 2643.01 crores for the improvement of 254 rural roads under Batch-1 of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III).

The Minister has expressed gratitude to the Central Government and especially to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Rural Development Minister Giriraj Singh and also thanked the Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for constantly raising the issues of state interests before the Centre.

NDRF : 13 bodies recovered so far as rescue operations enter 4th day in Shimla’s Summer Hill

August 17, 2023, 11:02 am

In total, 13 bodies have been found, according to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), out of the 21 people who were reported missing after a significant landslide earlier this week in Shimla’s Summer Hill neighborhood.

NDRF Inspector Naseef Khan said, “The rescue and search operation has been underway for 4 days. The Army, SDRF and the police are engaged in the ongoing rescue operations here. Of the 21 people missing, 13 bodies have been recovered so far.”

Earlier a family lost members spanning three generations in the mishap in which a temple in the Summer Hill area of rain-battered Shimla district was washed away following a landslide triggered by Monday’s cloudburst.
According to officials, seven members of the family, including three children were inside the Shiv temple when it collapsed.

In the meantime, Western Air Command helicopters have completed more than 50 sorties over the past 48 hours, saving more than 780 people from flood-affected areas in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, according to Indian Air Force officials on Wednesday. The flood-stricken areas of Indora and Fatehpur in the Kangra district were also the subject of an aerial survey by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

He took stock of the ongoing evacuation efforts in the flooded downstream of Pong Reservoir and other relief works. Interacting with people in relief camps at Damtal and Shekhpura, the CM enquired about their well-being while assuring them of all possible assistance from the government.
The state government on Wednesday said that at least 71 people have been killed in the recent rain-related incidents.

Bihar: Rescue operation are in progress after 3-year-old child falls into 40-feet borewell

July 23, 2023, 4:24 pm

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has launched a rescue effort after a 3-year-old child fell into a borewell in Kul village, Bihar’s Nalanda, on Sunday.

The child has been identified as Shivam Kumar by the authorities. According to the information, a farmer dug the borewell but failed to seal it, which led to the tragic event. The children Shivam was playing with alerted his parents, who then launched the rescue effort.

Nalin Maurya, Vice President of Nagar Panchayat Nalanda, is assisting the rescue operation.
Talking to ANI, Maurya said, “This borewell was made by the farmer for boring. But boring didn’t succeed here, so they started boring in another place and this borewell was not closed”.

Earlier in the day, Circle Officer, Shambhu Mandal said that the child is still alive and they are able to hear his voice.
“We received information that a child fell into a borewell…We are trying our best to rescue the child. The child is still alive, we can hear his voice…,” he said.
JCB machines have been called to deliver oxygen and extract the child from the bore.
Police Station In-charge Dinesh Kumar Singh said that efforts are being made to get the child out safely. The senior officer has also been informed about the incident.

Many Parsottam officials arrived at the scene after learning of the incident. More information is awaited.

Maharashtra: Palghar district administration maintains NDRF on standby amid heavy rainfall

July 20, 2023, 10:32 am

According to officials on Thursday, the district administration in Palghar, Maharashtra, gave the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team’s 23 members instructions to be ready for torrential downpours.

As per District Magistrate Office Palghar, the district administration in Palghar, Maharashtra, gave 23 NDRF members instructions to be ready amid persistent downpours. The district administration also instructed all the sub-divisional officers and tehsildars of the district to remain alert and not leave the headquarters, said the DMO.
The DMO added that the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation has also been informed through a letter to remain alert and provide necessary assistance.
Villages nearby coastal areas have received warnings because of the high tide, it further said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar directed district collectors for precautionary measures in view of the incessant rainfall in parts of the state.
Meanwhile, an incident of landslide was reported at Irshalwadi village in Khalapur tehsil in Maharashtra’s Raigad district. Some people are feared trapped inside the debris, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said on Thursday.
Four people were killed and several are feared trapped under debris, said police.
According to the Raigad Police, in the landslide at Irshalwadi village of Khalapur tehsil, four people died and three others were injured. One of the rescuers also died due to heart attack, police said.

The National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) teams are engaged in rescue operations. The search and rescue effort was started after two teams arrived at the scene, according to earlier statements from the NDRF. They added that two more teams had left for the operation from Mumbai. After the incident, Raigad Police also established a control room. 30 people have been removed from the scene, according to the police, but it’s believed that many more are still trapped under the rubble.

Amit Shah to lead meeting with state, UT Disaster Management Ministers tomorrow

June 12, 2023, 1:53 pm

On Tuesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will preside over a meeting with the ministers responsible for Disaster Management from various states and Union Territories. The day-long meeting will include the participation of Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Given the existing challenges in disaster management, the meeting aims to emphasize preparedness for addressing future phases of such challenges.

The meeting is learnt to be part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s holistic approach towards disaster management to make it relief-centric, early warning-centric, proactive and early preparedness-based.

The Home Minister has said that earlier the country had only a relief-centric approach towards disaster management which did not involve minimizing the loss of life and property, but this approach changed after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister.Ministry of Home Affairs has fixed targets for every five years and every year till 2047, for which it is working with full readiness.Last year, the Home Minister also chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs on “Disaster Management” at Kevadiya in Gujarat.

Bihar: 12-year-old boy trapped in bridge pillar rescued, shifted to hospital

June 8, 2023, 6:20 pm

On Thursday, a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team rescued a 12-year-old boy who was trapped between the pillar and the slab of a bridge on a river in Nasriganj.

Upendra Pal, Sub Divisional Magistrate of Bikramganj, stated that the boy, identified as Ranjan Kumar, has been taken to the hospital. “The child has been rescued and is being treated at a hospital in Sasaram.”

His condition is out of the ordinary. “The NDRF was also involved in the rescue efforts,” he explained. He went on to say that the rescue operation had been going on since the morning. More information is awaited.

All 9 teams withdrawn from Balasore accident site in Odisha: NDRF IG

June 5, 2023, 3:52 pm

On Monday, Narendra Singh Bundela, the Inspector General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), declared the withdrawal of all nine NDRF teams that were dispatched for rescue operations in Balasore, Odisha, after the triple-train accident.

“Train movement on main lines has been restored, and things are back to normalcy after the full operation. All 9 teams of the NDRF who were working in Odisha’s Balasore have been withdrawn,” Narendra Singh Bundela told the media persons. He said that they went through a lot of challenges as the crash involved 3 trains with multiple coaches.

“The way trains crashed, coaches were derailed and overturned. We had to enter the affected coaches, rescue passengers stuck inside, and provide medical assistance to those injured,” the IG further explained.