Mumbai : Considering the rising water levels in the city and the IMD’s forecast for more rain, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have deployed their flood rescue and diving teams, which are well-equipped with rescue boats and fast-attack crafts, at strategic locations in the city to meet any emergency arriving out of the downpour.
A culmination of high tide and heavy rains had to an increase in water levels in the city. Mumbai recorded 280 mm rains while, simultaneously, the city faced tides that were 4.38 metres high.
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Disaster Management Cell informed the state government and central agencies of the situation and requested for help.
In the response to the BMC’s distress call, the Ministry of Defence quickly responded from Delhi to provide all possible support.
Principal spokesman, Ministry of Defence, Sitanshu Kar, said, “As per the standard operating procedure (SOP), Indian Navy deployed naval divers and inflatable boats across the length and breadth of Mumbai.”
Naval officials said that the Western Naval Command, which is housed in Mumbai, has prepared to render assistance to Mumbaikars. The Indian Navy said it is prepared to render relief and aid to the civil authorities and to meet any contingency arriving out of the monsoon, both onshore and off-shore.
The navy’s public relations officer, Cdr Rahul Sinha, said, “The Joint Operation Centre (JOC) works in close coordination with the Disaster Management Cell of the BMC and State Disaster Management Authority at Mantralaya.”
Flood rescue teams with boats have been positioned at various locations within Mumbai. Specialised diving teams are based at Naval Dockyard (Mumbai). Fast interceptor crafts and immediate support vessels are providing search and rescue (SAR) cover within Mumbai Harbour. Helicopters, including multi-engine all-weather choppers, are in readiness at undisclosed places in the city and ships have been deployed off the Mumbai coast for SAR.
