Date:08/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/08/stories/2006060802130300.htm

Karnataka - Bidar

Mock flood rescue operation today

Staff Correspondent

120 personnel trained in rescue work

Good swimmers were chosen for the training programme
They were trained to make floats using pieces of wood, bamboo, pots and rubber

Building short bridges, tents and temporary shelters, making rope knots and first aid were also part of training

Bidar: The Home Guards will participate in a mock flood rescue operation in Bhalki on Thursday. Trained personnel will demonstrate methods of saving lives of people and cattle caught in floodwaters. Superintendent of Police K.L. Sudhir will inaugurate the programme, according to a release.

Refresher course

Around 120 personnel of the Home Guards and Fire Service have been given a refresher training course in flood rescue operations in the district. Good swimmers were chosen for the training programme.

They were trained to make floats using easily available material such as pieces of wood, bamboo, pots and rubber. They were also trained in building short bridges, tents and temporary shelters, making rope knots and first aid.

This is part of routine preparedness training. It is timed to coincide with the onset of monsoons.

There are two major rivers in Bidar: the Karanja and the Manjra, which run for over 300 km. Last year, both the rivers overflowed and some cattle died. "We began the training after we received warning of heavy rain," the Commandant of the Home Guards, Squadron Leader M. Naimuddin, said.