Civil Defence volunteers flag need to rehearse rescue ops

The Ravi, in full spate, is causing extensive floods in the border areas of Ajnala and Ramdass and has taught adequately to prepare for such a calamity in the future, rescue volunteers said here today.

Civil Defence volunteers said, the integration of different departments while taking full help of volunteers and experts from various fields, to work in full synergy, needs to be rehearsed well in mock exercises.

These volunteers along with disaster management services are rendering yeoman’s service in these flood-affected areas.

With extensive experience in disaster management, Surjit Sharma, chief warden, Civil Defence, Amritsar, said the Revenue Department officials should identify higher areas close to the villages situated by the Ravi and Beas. The panchayats of these vulnerable villages could be trained to carry out preventative measures in view of an impending disaster.

Higher safer grounds need to earmarked beforehand to expedite rescue operations in case of imminent flooding.

Sharma flagged the need to stock up vials and medicines for snake bite cases. Similarly, the administration should enlist boats and drones much before the calamity hits to effectively evacuate people and provide aid.