News for 'National Disaster Response Force'

Punjab flood: Toll rises to 37; crops in 23 districts damaged

Punjab flood: Toll rises to 37; crops in 23 districts damaged

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Heavy rains exacerbate the flood situation in Punjab, leading to 37 deaths and widespread crop damage. Rescue and relief operations are underway as authorities issue alerts and provide assistance to affected populations.

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Rediff.com8 May 2025

India conducted nationwide civil defence mock drills simulating multiple hostile scenarios like air raids, fire emergencies, and rescue operations across several states and union territories. The drills, dubbed 'Operation Abhyaas,' aimed to enhance emergency preparedness in light of recent terror attacks. The exercises involved coordinated efforts by various agencies, including civil defence personnel, police, fire and emergency services, and the military. Mock drills were conducted at various locations, including railway stations, malls, and high-rise buildings, showcasing the response capabilities of authorities in different emergency scenarios. The drills highlighted the importance of public awareness and cooperation in dealing with real-time emergencies.

South Mumbai records over 250 mm rainfall in just 13 hours

South Mumbai records over 250 mm rainfall in just 13 hours

Rediff.com26 May 2025

South Mumbai received over 250 mm of rainfall in just 13 hours, leading to widespread flooding, disrupting train services, and causing house collapses. The heavy downpour flooded several low-lying areas, including Hindmata, King Circle, Dadar TT, Kings Circle, Parel TT, Kalachowki, and JJ Marg, leading to diversions and delays in BEST bus services. The suburban services of the Central Railway and Western Railway were also disrupted due to heavy waterlogging on tracks. At least five incidents of partial house collapses and 32 instances of tree falls were reported, though no injuries were recorded.

Landslides Can Kill!

Landslides Can Kill!

Rediff.com17 Aug 2023

Rescue operations continued through Tuesday and Wednesday in Joshimath, Rudraprayag, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand and in Shimla, Chamoli, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, for those trapped by landslides.

One more body recovered, toll in Mizoram landslides rises to 28

One more body recovered, toll in Mizoram landslides rises to 28

Rediff.com30 May 2024

One more body was recovered on Thursday, taking the toll in multiple landslides in Mizoram's Aizawl district to 28, a police officer said.

Ganga, Yamuna overflow in UP; 13 districts flooded

Ganga, Yamuna overflow in UP; 13 districts flooded

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Incessant rainfall in Uttar Pradesh has caused floods in 13 districts, with major rivers like Ganga and Yamuna exceeding danger levels. Varanasi, Prayagraj, and other cities are severely affected, leading to displacement and disruption of daily life.

Flash floods claim 5 lives in Himachal, 3 in Jammu; red alert in Kerala

Flash floods claim 5 lives in Himachal, 3 in Jammu; red alert in Kerala

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

While two bodies were recovered on Wednesday, the death toll climbed to four on Thursday after the recovery of two more bodies from the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric project site in Kangra district.

India 'could have done much more' during Operation Sindoor: Rajnath

India 'could have done much more' during Operation Sindoor: Rajnath

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauds the armed forces' restrained response during Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack, highlighting coordination and improved connectivity in border areas.

Why India's disaster responders are unhappy

Why India's disaster responders are unhappy

Rediff.com4 Dec 2015

Many in the specialised force feel they are not being treated on par with those in the armed forces. Sahil Makkar reports

12 NDRF teams deployed in Delhi as Yamuna breaks records

12 NDRF teams deployed in Delhi as Yamuna breaks records

Rediff.com13 Jul 2023

The teams are equipped with inflatable boats, ropes and other rescue equipment.

Is The UN Heading For Bankruptcy?

Is The UN Heading For Bankruptcy?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Every UN secretary-general has flagged the financial situation, but Antonio Guterres has issued the direst warning yet, calling it a 'race to bankruptcy and of imminent financial collapse, points out Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

After 7 days, no sign of 30 missing in Himachal flash floods

After 7 days, no sign of 30 missing in Himachal flash floods

Rediff.com7 Aug 2024

The family members of the missing persons who have been camping at the site for the past seven days have now lost hope and are praying for the recovery of bodies to perform last rites.

Entire country needs to be trained in combating disasters: NDRF

Entire country needs to be trained in combating disasters: NDRF

Rediff.com17 Apr 2016

The national calamity response force, NDRF feels it is time that citizens are "trained" in combating both man-made and natural catastrophes.

Vadodara flood situation alarming, 5k relocated; Army joins rescue ops

Vadodara flood situation alarming, 5k relocated; Army joins rescue ops

Rediff.com28 Aug 2024

Some areas were under 10 to 12 feet of water, said health minister and government spokesperson Rushikesh Patel.

Shimla landslide toll rises to 17; search on for 3 missing persons

Shimla landslide toll rises to 17; search on for 3 missing persons

Rediff.com20 Aug 2023

The toll in Monday's temple collapse incident increased to 17 with rescue teams recovering one more body on Sunday.

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The LPG squeeze on India's restaurant sector is the quotidian face of a deeper crisis.

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The delegations from the US and Iran head to Islamabad on Friday, carrying a ceasefire that is already fraying, a Strait that is technically open and practically closed, and a negotiating agenda that would challenge even parties actually negotiating in good faith, which these groups are not. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Heavy rain triggers flood-like situation in Jammu

Heavy rain triggers flood-like situation in Jammu

Rediff.com24 Aug 2025

Heavy rains battered Jammu and Kashmir, triggering floods, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting normal life. Authorities issued advisories and rescue operations were conducted.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

RSS affiliate calls for sanctions, tourism boycott of Turkey

RSS affiliate calls for sanctions, tourism boycott of Turkey

Rediff.com14 May 2025

"It is shocking to note that Turkey, the second-largest arms supplier to Pakistan after China, has played a key role in modernising Pakistan's navy and enhancing its aerial warfare capabilities. "This defence collaboration is not just commercial; it is ideological, targeting the stability of South Asia and emboldening Pakistan's military adventurism," SJM national co-convenor Ashwini Mahajan said in a statement.

Massive Rescue Ops Underway In Wayanad

Massive Rescue Ops Underway In Wayanad

Rediff.com1 Aug 2024

Rescue operations in Kerala's Wayanad district resumed on Thursday, marking one of the largest efforts to save those stranded by the landslides that have hit the region.

Delhi on alert as Yamuna breaches danger mark; cremation ghats shut

Delhi on alert as Yamuna breaches danger mark; cremation ghats shut

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Rising Yamuna River levels flood low-lying areas of Delhi, displacing residents and disrupting businesses. Families struggle with loss of homes and livelihoods.

12 students, 2 teachers die as picnic boat overturns in Gujarat

12 students, 2 teachers die as picnic boat overturns in Gujarat

Rediff.com18 Jan 2024

Two dozen students and four teachers were on a picnic and taking a boat ride in the Harni lake when the tragedy occurred in the afternoon, they said.

Odisha train tragedy: Rescuer hallucinated blood upon seeing water

Odisha train tragedy: Rescuer hallucinated blood upon seeing water

Rediff.com6 Jun 2023

Nine National Disaster Response Force teams were deployed for rescue operations following one of the worst railway disasters in India that killed at least 278 people and injured more than 900. According to official data, the force rescued 44 victims and retrieved 121 bodies from the spot.

Cyclone Dana: 1 Million Evacuated

Cyclone Dana: 1 Million Evacuated

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

Glimpses of the preparations in Odisha and West Bengal for Cyclone Dana which is expected to make landfall between October 24 and 25.

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.

Chamoli avalanche: 8 bodies recovered, recue op ends

Chamoli avalanche: 8 bodies recovered, recue op ends

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

The bodies of the last four of the trapped labourers were pulled out from the site of the avalanche-hit Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp in Chamoli on Sunday, taking the death toll to eight as authorities ended the nearly 60-hour rescue operation.

NDRF to search for Indore woman in Meghalaya after husband found dead

NDRF to search for Indore woman in Meghalaya after husband found dead

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

National Disaster Response Force personnel on Tuesday joined the search for a missing tourist from Indore a day after her husband's body was found in a gorge in Sohra area of Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district, police said.

Gujarat braces for Cyclone Biparjoy, landfall likely near Kutch on June 15

Gujarat braces for Cyclone Biparjoy, landfall likely near Kutch on June 15

Rediff.com11 Jun 2023

The very severe cyclonic storm 'Biparjoy' intensified into an 'extremely severe cyclonic storm' and is likely to cross Saurashtra-Kutch and adjoining Pakistan coasts around the afternoon of June 15 as a 'very severe cyclonic storm (VSCS)', the India Meteorological Department said on Sunday.

Helicopter on way to Gangotri crashes in U'khand, 6 dead

Helicopter on way to Gangotri crashes in U'khand, 6 dead

Rediff.com8 May 2025

The helicopter carrying a total of seven people, including the pilot, crashed on the Rishikesh-Gangotri National Highway at around 8:45 am.

Red alert in many states as monsoon covers India; 2 killed U'khand

Red alert in many states as monsoon covers India; 2 killed U'khand

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

The labourers, who are said to be of Nepali origin, were engaged in the construction of a hotel.

UP: 6 pilgrims run over by train while crossing tracks

UP: 6 pilgrims run over by train while crossing tracks

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

The Chopan Express had halted at platform four of the station, and the passengers chose to get down on the track, though there is a footover bridge, the railways said.

7 killed as six-storey building collapses in Surat

7 killed as six-storey building collapses in Surat

Rediff.com7 Jul 2024

Seven bodies have been recovered in the operation that continued through the night, Sachin GIDC police station inspector Jignesh Chaudhari said.

8-yr-old boy who fell into Guwahati drain found dead

8-yr-old boy who fell into Guwahati drain found dead

Rediff.com7 Jul 2024

The body of an eight-year-old boy who had fallen into a stormwater drain in Guwahati on Thursday, was recovered about 4 km downstream in Rajgarh area, police said.

JCO among 3 soldiers killed in J-K as Army vehicle falls into gorge

JCO among 3 soldiers killed in J-K as Army vehicle falls into gorge

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Three Army personnel, including a junior commissioned officer, were killed when their vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a 500-metre deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district on Sunday. The Army truck was part of a convoy moving from Jammu to Srinagar along national highway-44. The accident occurred near Battery Chashma at around 11.30 am. A joint rescue operation was launched immediately by Army, police, State Disaster Response Force and local volunteers. The deceased were identified as Naib-Subedar Sujeet Kumar, driver Amit Kumar and sepoy Man Bahadur. The crash has reduced the vehicle into a mangled heap of metal. Preliminary investigation suggested that the accident was caused by a technical glitch in the vehicle.

3 dead in wall collapse, Delhi rain toll rises to 8

3 dead in wall collapse, Delhi rain toll rises to 8

Rediff.com29 Jun 2024

The bodies of three labourers were on Saturday pulled from the rubble of a wall that collapsed at a construction site in the Vasant Vihar area in New Delhi amid heavy rain, officials said.

Assam coal mine rescue op Day 2: Navy divers flown in from Vizag

Assam coal mine rescue op Day 2: Navy divers flown in from Vizag

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

A team of navy, army, NDRF, and SDRF personnel are working to rescue nine workers trapped inside a coal mine in Assam's Dima Hasao district. The mine is suspected to be illegal, and one person has been arrested in connection with the incident. Rescue efforts have been underway since Monday, but no workers have been found yet.

Israel has near-total control of Tehran skies: Netanyahu

Israel has near-total control of Tehran skies: Netanyahu

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed that the United States and his administration have achieved nearly total dominance over Iranian airspace following a series of coordinated military strikes.

'Zero casualty' in Cyclone Dana in Odisha: CM

'Zero casualty' in Cyclone Dana in Odisha: CM

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday claimed that the state has achieved its 'Zero Casualty Mission' as there has been no report regarding any loss of human life or injury in the severe cyclonic storm Dana which made landfall in the coast on Thursday night.

Army deployed in Pune residential area as heavy rain, dam water flood city

Army deployed in Pune residential area as heavy rain, dam water flood city

Rediff.com4 Aug 2024

In view of the discharge of water from the Khadakwasla, Mulshi, Pavana and other dams in the Pune region, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directed authorities to be alert and shift people from dangerous zones to safer places.