Rescue teams instil confidence among people in Kodagu

As part of preparations to tackle any eventualities that might occur during the monsoon, the district administration conducted mock exercises at sites vulnerable to landslides, on Wednesday.

A total of 150 persons including those from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Quick Response Team, Fire Service and Emergency personnel and police took part in the exercise to instil confidence among the people.

Landslides had occurred at Hebbattageri last August. The flood in Hattihole had caused devastation and hundreds of people had lost their houses and farmland. The mock drill was carried out at Hebbattageri and Hattihole to instil confidence among the villagers.

The landslide scene was recreated for the mock drill and landslide-affected people were evacuated.

All the roads leading to hilly ranges had remained closed. The rescue operation was carried out using a rope. The scene of ambulance shifting the affected to the hospital was recreated.

Boat, lifting bag, cutter, concrete cutter, life jacket, rope and other modern rescue operation equipment were used. Using the camera, the local residents were shown the rescue operation being carried out in the affected areas.

Hebbattageri Gram Panchayat President Udiyanda Rita Muthanna said, “Through the mock exercise, the district administration has made an attempt to instil confidence in the minds of the people. The people are living by holding life in their hands. The victims are yet to get houses. None have courage.”

Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy said, “The district administration is all set to face the monsoon. The monsoon will enter the state on June 6. The officials are alert in sites identified as vulnerable to a natural disaster. The NDRF personnel will be in the district for three months.”

Superintendent of Police Dr Suman D Pennekar said, “The Police Department will extend its support to the district administration. If necessary, additional police personnel will be deployed to the district. The Police Department is all set to tackle any emergency during the monsoon.”

The rescue personnel used walkie talkies, cameras, public addressing system and other rescue equipment during the mock drill. The fire service personnel enacted the rescue of those who remained trapped under the soil. The rapid response team carried out rescue operations using hi-tech equipment.

This year, an automated boat has been brought to the district for rescue operations.

Zilla Panchayat CEO K Lakshmi Priya, MLC Sunil Subramani, Zilla Panchayat President B A Harish and Vice President Lokeshwari Gopal were present.