VISAKHAPATNAM: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team is still waiting for the nod of higher authorities to set up their permanent base at the site which was allotted near Kaapuluppada in Bheemili region a year ago.
The Regional Response Centre (RRC) of the NDRF, Visakhapatnam, is being temporarily run from the Steel Plant campus. It was NDRF teams, who played a major role during the Hudhud cyclone in October 2014, which ravaged the city. After coastal Andhra Pradesh was identified as vulnerable to cyclones, the RRC was set up at Ukkunagaram in 2015.
According to sources, the government had allocated 2 acres at Kaapuluppada near Baavikonda Hill for construction of a permanent structure for the RRC. However, construction works have not moved further for various reasons. “We were allotted a site by the government a year ago.
But, we are still waiting for the orders and sanction of funds for the works. We are expecting it by year-end,” said a senior NDRF official.
The NDRF personnel from the city RRC, who are around 50 in number, have been called for rescue operations during the recent Chennai floods and train derailment in Kuneru of Vizianagaram district.
A day of learning at NDRF exhibition
Schoolchildren from Visakhapatnam visited the exhibition on NDRF personnel works during the natural disasters. The exhibition was organised by the RRC. The NDRF team displayed equipment used during calamities like earthquakes, cyclones, floods and etc. “We were excited to know what type of equipment are being used during emergency. The tools the NDRF uses during building collapse or earthquake are amazing.
There was an equipment through which one enters from top. Various types of cutters used was explained,” said M Narendra, a 10th class student of DAV Centenary School, Ukkunagaram. RRC in-charge Subhash Mahala said the NDRF teams, trained in disaster management practices including earthquakes, cyclones, floods, building collapses and etc, is being summoned during various disasters across the country.
“We proved ourselves during the Kuneru rail tragedy, by saving hundreds of lives. During Chennai floods too, our rescue operations saved many. People, especially schoolchildren, should know about the NDRF. So the camp was organised,” he said, adding that such exhibitions will be organised in schools soon.