Cyclone Phailin: NDRF battalion put on alert

The Talegaon-based battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been put on alert in the backdrop of cyclone Phailin that hit the Odisha coast. An official from the unit said,“We have been told to be on alert. Though we have not been called yet,we are ready to go in for rescue operations if called.”

The NDRF unit is one of the 10 units in the country. The unit has contributed towards rescue operations in Japan in the aftermath of Tsunami disaster,Mumbai building collapse besides other disasters.

Two of battalions of the NDRF are stationed in Maharashtra. Each unit is equipped with about 1,000 personnel and life-saving equipment. NDRF is the disaster response agency that comes under National Disaster Management Authority which comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs.