Special Disaster Response Teams formed across central zone

In view of the Northeast monsoon, the Central Zone Police have constituted 34 Special Disaster Response Teams across nine districts and kept them on standby as a precautionary measure to prevent loss of life and property damage from heavy rainfall, flooding, and other natural disasters.

The teams, comprising 374 police personnel, are equipped and trained to carry out emergency rescue and relief operations. Each team consists of 11 police personnel and is led by a sub-inspector.

Of the 34 teams, four have been deployed in Tiruchi, two in Pudukottai, three in Karur, three in Perambalur, two in Ariyalur, eight in Thanjavur, seven in Tiruvarur, three in Nagapattinam and two in Mayiladuthurai.

Rescue equipment, safety gear and other essential materials required for emergency operations have been kept ready. The personnel have undergone training in disaster response and rescue operations, including rescuing people stranded by heavy rainfall and flooding, evacuating residents of low-lying and flood-prone areas to safer locations, and carrying out other emergency operations.

The Superintendents of Police have also been instructed to continuously monitor flood-prone areas in their respective jurisdictions and coordinate with other government departments to ensure that timely assistance reaches the public during emergencies.

Meanwhile, the public have been advised to avoid visiting rivers, ponds, lakes and flood-affected areas, and cautioned against attempting to cross flooded roads, causeways or submerged bridges under any circumstances.

Residents of low-lying and flood-prone areas have been urged to strictly follow warnings and instructions issued by the authorities and move to safer locations whenever advised. They can contact the emergency helpline numbers 100 or 112 for immediate assistance, according to a press note.