News for 'State Disaster Response Force'

Fire, clouds of smoke, debris...: Eyewitness recounts Guj plane crash

Fire, clouds of smoke, debris...: Eyewitness recounts Guj plane crash

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

Speaking about the building in which the plane crashed, the eyewitness said, "It is a residential building, doctors live there."

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.

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.

U'khand: 33 workers rescued as avalanche hits BRO camp, 22 still trapped

U'khand: 33 workers rescued as avalanche hits BRO camp, 22 still trapped

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

Forty-one Border Road Organisation labourers working to clear snow near the high altitude border village of Mana in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district were trapped under an avalanche on Friday.

Heavy rain lashes parts of country, cripples Mumbai

Heavy rain lashes parts of country, cripples Mumbai

Rediff.com8 Jul 2024

The monsoon spelt mayhem in several parts of the country on Monday, particularly Mumbai where local train services and flight operations were hit and everyday life disrupted as well as Assam that was grappling with floods yet again.

SDRF constable Ashiq Ali is toast of town for saving 5 kanwariyas

SDRF constable Ashiq Ali is toast of town for saving 5 kanwariyas

Rediff.com24 Jul 2024

Almost everyone in the pilgrimage town is talking about SDRF head constable Ashiq Ali, who is deployed at Kangra ghat near Har Ki Pairi in Haridwar.

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.

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.

SC orders states to pay Covid compensation to victims' kin at earliest

SC orders states to pay Covid compensation to victims' kin at earliest

Rediff.com18 Jul 2022

The Supreme Court on Monday directed all states and Union territories to ensure payment of compensation to family members of Covid-19 victims without wasting any time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vijayawada faces flood threat after rain, breach in Budameru rivulet

Vijayawada faces flood threat after rain, breach in Budameru rivulet

Rediff.com6 Sep 2024

Local people had hoped that all the floodwater would be cleared by Friday but the opposite occurred.

Morbi update: 135 dead, 170 saved; rescue ops continue

Morbi update: 135 dead, 170 saved; rescue ops continue

Rediff.com1 Nov 2022

As many as 135 people have been killed in the Morbi bridge collapse tragedy and 170 others rescued, Gujarat minister Rajendra Trivedi said on Tuesday.

Subdued I-Day in Himachal as state mourns rain deaths

Subdued I-Day in Himachal as state mourns rain deaths

Rediff.com15 Aug 2023

The 77th Independence Day on Tuesday was a low-key affair in Himachal Pradesh with the traditional cultural programmes missing from official and district-level functions as the state mourns the deaths and destruction caused by incessant rains.

11 dead as building collapses before dawn in Delhi

11 dead as building collapses before dawn in Delhi

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

A multi-storey residential building collapsed in northeast Delhi's Shakti Vihar area in the early hours of Saturday, leaving 11 people dead and 11 injured, officials said.

Air India flight fell on ground right after take-off

Air India flight fell on ground right after take-off

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The Air India plane AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London crashed immediately after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, as per the Gujarat State Police Control Room.

62 killed in Assam floods, landslides this year; around 31 lakh hit in state

62 killed in Assam floods, landslides this year; around 31 lakh hit in state

Rediff.com19 Jun 2022

In the last 24 hours, eight people have died after drowning in flood waters -- two each in Barpeta and Karimganj districts, one each in Darrang, Hailakandi, Nalbari and Sonitpur districts and eight people are still missing.

Eight die after inhaling toxic gas in well during cleaning in MP

Eight die after inhaling toxic gas in well during cleaning in MP

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Eight people died in a well in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, India, after inhaling toxic gas while cleaning it for immersions during the Gangour Mata festival. The well had been unused for a long time, allowing toxic gases to form. Rescue efforts lasted for nearly four hours before the bodies were recovered. The district administration announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased.

Such things happen: Jaypee founder on T'gana tunnel collapse

Such things happen: Jaypee founder on T'gana tunnel collapse

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

As sludge started solidifying inside the Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel in Telangana, rescuers are planning to use sniffer dogs to locate those got trapped, District Collector B Santhosh said on Wednesday.

Gujarat Floods: Cricketer Radha Yadav Rescued

Gujarat Floods: Cricketer Radha Yadav Rescued

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

'We are stuck in a very bad situation. Thank you so much #NDRF for rescuing us,' Radha captioned the post, expressing her gratitude for the timely assistance.

Toll in Andhra tourist boat mishap rises to 28

Toll in Andhra tourist boat mishap rises to 28

Rediff.com17 Sep 2019

The SDMA said the ill-fated private boat was carrying 73 passengers, including eight crew.

Cyclone Fengal: IMD issues red alert for northern Kerala

Cyclone Fengal: IMD issues red alert for northern Kerala

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a warning of significant rainfall in Kerala due to cyclone Fengal, currently positioned as a strong low-pressure area over northern Tamil Nadu.

Heavy rains, strong winds in Kerala as monsoon arrives early

Heavy rains, strong winds in Kerala as monsoon arrives early

Rediff.com24 May 2025

Normally, the southwest monsoon makes its onset over Kerala by June 1 and covers the entire country by July 8. It starts retreating from northwest India around September 17 and withdraws completely by October 15.

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'When an establishment operates despite demolition or closure orders, without proper fire exits, evacuation plans or safety audits, and yet is allowed to host large crowds, the state cannot hide behind the language of accident.' 'The authorities were aware of the risks and of the violations, but chose not to act decisively because doing so would have inconvenienced those with influence and financial stakes.' 'In such a scenario, the moral and legal responsibility for the resulting deaths moves from negligence towards culpability; calling it 'murder' is a way of underlining that these lives were sacrificed at the altar of greed and complicity, not fate.'

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.

Assam flood situation remains critical; 45L people hit, toll rises to 108

Assam flood situation remains critical; 45L people hit, toll rises to 108

Rediff.com24 Jun 2022

The Brahmaputra and Barak rivers along with their tributaries are in spate, even as floodwaters started receding from a few areas, they said.

Chopper crashes near Kedarnath, all 7 on board killed; AAIB to probe

Chopper crashes near Kedarnath, all 7 on board killed; AAIB to probe

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar told PTI that the accident took place above the forests of Gaurikund amid poor visibility due to bad weather.

Modi speaks to Gujarat CM as state reels under floods

Modi speaks to Gujarat CM as state reels under floods

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

The situation in rain-battered Gujarat improved slightly on Thursday as the rainfall activity subsided, but Vadodara and some other parts of the state are still reeling under a flood-like situation due to overflowing rivers while the authorities continue the rescue and relief operations.

NDRF teams capable of tackling nuke attacks deployed in Ayodhya

NDRF teams capable of tackling nuke attacks deployed in Ayodhya

Rediff.com19 Jan 2024

NDRF director general Atul Karwal told PTI that the teams are undertaking continuous familiarisation exercises and conducting simulation drills in the temple town to respond to any contingency.

Mamata slams DVC for ploy to flood Bengal during Durga Puja

Mamata slams DVC for ploy to flood Bengal during Durga Puja

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) of releasing water recklessly and without prior intimation, creating a flood-like situation in south Bengal districts during Durga Puja.

Brick kiln chimney blast leaves 7 labourers dead in Bihar

Brick kiln chimney blast leaves 7 labourers dead in Bihar

Rediff.com24 Dec 2022

The incident took place in Narirgir in the Ramgarhwa police station area.

4 dead, 19 rescued after several fall into well in MP

4 dead, 19 rescued after several fall into well in MP

Rediff.com16 Jul 2021

The girl fell into the well around 9 pm and some people climbed down to rescue her while others were standing on the parapet wall around it to help them, a police official said. The wall suddenly crashed, throwing those standing on it into the water, he said, adding that several of them were feared trapped under the rubble.

Cloudburst near Amarnath shrine in J-K; no loss of life reported

Cloudburst near Amarnath shrine in J-K; no loss of life reported

Rediff.com28 Jul 2021

A cloudburst occurred near the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas on Wednesday, but there was no loss of life in the incident, officials said.

Indore Couple Murder: Meghalaya Mystery Persists

Indore Couple Murder: Meghalaya Mystery Persists

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

Her husband Raja's body has been discovered, but there is no trace of Sonam Raghuvanshi.

Amarinder Singh says BJP ignores him, but rules out Congress return

Amarinder Singh says BJP ignores him, but rules out Congress return

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh criticizes the BJP's functioning, stating he is not being consulted. He rules out rejoining the Congress but expresses willingness to help Sonia Gandhi personally. He also discusses Punjab's political landscape, AAP's performance, and national security.

CRPF creates combat teams to tackle chemical, biological, chemical, nuclear disasters

CRPF creates combat teams to tackle chemical, biological, chemical, nuclear disasters

Rediff.com7 Oct 2021

The CRPF has created an exclusive team of about 1,800 personnel within its special anti-riots wing Rapid Action Force (RAF) to act as responders against CBRN attacks and various other disasters, a senior officer of the force said on Thursday.

Himachal cloudbursts: Rescuers, drones join search for 45 missing; 8 dead

Himachal cloudbursts: Rescuers, drones join search for 45 missing; 8 dead

Rediff.com2 Aug 2024

Rescue operations were underway on Friday to trace over 45 people missing following flash floods triggered by cloudbursts in three districts of Himachal Pradesh, officials said on Friday.