Rather than going with the flow, Pune fire department has decided to take the monsoon challenge head on. Last year, when water entered into areas on the riverbed, firemen had a tough time evacuating people. So, in a bid to provide its personnel advanced training, the department is tying up with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the exercise is expected to begin by the end of this month.

Left high and dry: Citizens trapped in floodwaters at Shanti Nagar slum in Vishrantwadi area during 2013 rains. File Pic

 “In the last rainy season, we encountered many cases in the city of people being marooned by river water flooding housing societies and dwellings. Our men rushed to the spots with rubber boats. But, the fact is, the personnel require superior coaching regarding such rescue operations. Basic training was imparted to one of our teams three years ago. Since then, there has been no such exercise, and we want to prepare each and every personnel we have,” said chief fire officer Prashant Ranpise.