Madikeri: Breaking from their usual arrival schedule of early June, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team reached the district in the fourth week of May this year, following the district administration’s request as a preventive measure.The 10th Battalion NDRF is stationed in Madikeri and stands prepared with essential safety gear and tools for immediate emergency response. Their disaster management equipment includes life jackets, motor boats, rafts, searchlights, tree-cutting machinery, oxygen cylinders, ropes, stretchers, generators, and emergency medical supplies for rescue operations.A dedicated vehicle has been allocated for reaching danger zones, and the team, under NDRF circle inspector Harishchandra Pandey’s leadership, is monitoring the district situation from their base camp. The NDRF personnel are undergoing district-specific training and equipment handling practice. Regular equipment maintenance checks ensure operational readiness.A 30-member experienced team stands ready for immediate disaster response, receiving briefings about district conditions and psychological preparation from senior officers. These personnel have previous experience in managing natural disasters across various regions of the country. The team collaborates with fire services, police force, and volunteers to address various emergencies, including fallen trees blocking roads, floods, landslides, and other hazardous situations.“We have already collected information about the sensitive areas of Kodagu and understood the geographical features and actual situation there. Information has been obtained from local officials. The team is ready to face landslides and floods. The people of the district need not be afraid. We will do our work honestly. Necessary preparations and checks have been made. Places where disasters occurred in the past are being identified and inspections are being carried out there,” Harishchandra Pandey stated.
