Hyderabad floods: Army, NDRF do the rescue act

Hyderabad: The Army pressed in 400 personnel for the rescue of flood victims in the city, mainly at Begumpet, Hakimpet, Nizampet and Alwal, on Saturday. The officers provided relief material and helped residents leave their houses with the help of ropes.

As there was light rainfall, water subsided in certain locations and there was no need for evacuation, the Army said. Six teams from the National Disaster Relief Management were called in to clear debris at Lingampally. The Indian Air Force has been put on standby to assist the civil administration at short notice.

Major Sajeev, who led the operations, said: “Old Alwal is still waterlogged and relief packages, including food, ration, medicines and blankets, were distributed to those affected. The Army has set up its own control room at GHMC head office and is coordinating with the GHMC control room to attend to complaints."

The Army has kept equipment such as boats, relief packages, medicines at central points for speedy distribution. The Telangana state government has approached the Indian Air Force to rescue 23 civilians who are stranded in Edupayala of Medak district.

Three Chetak helicopters were assigned the task. After two rescue attempts, the operation had to be put on hold due to heavy rain in the area.