In a concerted effort to brace for the monsoon season, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has deployed 75 teams across Uttarakhand. This deployment includes 15 specialized rescue teams and 60 sub-teams, all set to respond to emergencies such as heavy rainfall, landslides, and cloudbursts.
A comprehensive meeting led by SDRF Commandant Manikant Mishra, held via video conferencing at the SDRF headquarters in Jolly Grant, focused on monsoon preparedness. Mishra emphasized the importance of identifying potential flood-affected areas in the plains and instructed teams in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Udham Singh Nagar to remain on high alert with flood response equipment. Additionally, two backup teams with essential equipment have been stationed at the SDRF Vahini Jolly Grant Battalion Headquarters.
In response to frequent cloudburst incidents, nine rescue teams and 26 sub-teams have been deployed in the hilly regions. Mishra stressed the importance of utilizing satellite phones in areas lacking communication infrastructure. “All SDRF teams are on high alert and equipped with the necessary equipment and resources to ensure effective relief and rescue operations during the monsoon season,” stated Commandant Mishra. The meeting saw the participation of key officials, including Deputy Commander Mithilesh Kumar and Assistant Commander Shyam Dutt Nautiyal.
In a related incident, an SDRF team conducted a successful relief and rescue operation in Haridwar, pulling out four submerged vehicles from the Ganga River. The cars were swept away by flooding from a rain drain near Kharkhari on Sunday. The operation, led by ASI Pravindra Dhasmana, involved extensive efforts to retrieve the vehicles, which were then handed over to the district police.
The heavy rainfall on Saturday led to severe flooding in Haridwar, with the Ganga River’s water levels rising significantly. Local authorities had advised residents and visitors to avoid bathing in the river due to the hazardous conditions.
