Silvester D’ Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Jul 7: NDRF, fire brigade and home guards with the cooperation of local police in a mock operation rescued seven youth fallen in the water in flood affected area in between heavy rain near Gulvadi bridge, Balkur gram panchayat limits on Saturday morning, July 6.

Though the rain was not so severe here, it was a mock operation by Udupi district disaster management authority, deputy commissioner’s office, district government hospital and Udupi district police department.

Several government officials and hundreds of local people had gathered near Balkur-Gulvadi bridge since morning. Officials had made preparations that need to be taken during natural disasters. There were five boats, equipped staff wearing jackets, ambulance, oxygen bags and doctors necessary during emergency in place.

The mock operation began at 10 am. As DC Hephsiba Rani, additional DC Vijayakumari, SP Nisha James, district and taluk level officials arrived, nearly fifteen people were sent across Varahi lake. Heavy floods were created there and seven people were thrown in the water. Team of disaster management, fire brigade and expert divers used boat and rescued the youth to show people what they should do during such a situation. A scene of staff wearing oxygen mask, diving in the water and lifting a person from the water was curious. Those who were across the lake were rescued with the help of boat and taken to safety. A demonstration of how people who are drowned should be lifted and administered first aid was shown. They were later treated in the hospital which was already prepared.

The officials explained to the gathering how they should perform without getting nervous. “We have not come across such as situation. But it is the intention of this mock operation to make people know the precautionary measures that need to be taken during such circumstances. Similar operation was held once in Malpe. One should contact telephone No 1077 during natural disasters to get immediate help,” she said.

SP Nisha James asked people to inform the police during disasters. “Our department sincerely cooperates during such calls. Explain the information that you came to know in the mock operation to your house people and friends and take precautions,” she said.