Two teams of 45 rescuers each from National Disaster Rescue Force, and 30 firemen from the BMC fire brigade are ready to fly to Nepal to assist in the central government’s rescue operations after the earthquake
"We are packed and ready. Once we receive the order, we will leave within 15 minutes," said Pandit Ithape, deputy commander of the National Disaster Rescue Force (NDRF), when asked about their preparation for the central government's rescue mission in Nepal after a devastating earthquake wreaked havoc upon the mountain kingdom.
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The NDRF teams have two trucks filled with rescue material and tools, all of which will be loaded into specially designated Indian Air Force aircraft that will fly to Nepal
Besides the NDRF, firefighters from the BMC fire brigade are also awaiting orders to leave for Nepal. Both teams of the NDRF stationed in Mumbai, with 45 members each, are currently at the Shahaji Raje Krida Sankul (Andheri Sports Complex).
The disaster management force has been asked to follow strict timelines leave their stations within 15 minutes of receiving the order, and reach the airport within half an hour thereafter. 30 firemen from all over the city are also part of the rescue operation.
Also read: Death and destruction as massive earthquake hits Nepal
Both the firemen and NDRF teams have four trucks between them, each loaded with rescue material and tools. These will be transported to the airport and loaded onto an Indian Air Force aircraft.
"We are also supposed to pick up grain and food material for ourselves en route to the airport," said Prabhat Rahandale, deputy chief fire officer. This poses a big challenge for the firemen, who have to do all this within the 30-minute deadline. The fire brigade doesn't have the additional 15 minutes given to the NDRF.
All set
Municipal Commissioner Sitaram Kunte said, "According to the order issued by National Disaster Mana-gement Authority, we have our teams ready. Once we get the orders, we will dispatch the teams immediately."
The NDRF has 16 more teams stationed in Pune, who are also awaiting instructions from the Centre. The two city teams of the force may have to join their counterparts in Pune, if required.
"The two Mumbai teams might have to travel to Pune first and then take off from there in specially arranged aircrafts of the Indian Air Force. Reaching Pune, however, will take another two and half hours at least. From there, reaching the airport will take another half an hour," added Ithape.
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