Rescued over 3,600 persons in flood-hit Kerala: Defence Ministry
New Delhi, Aug 17 : Engaged in rescue and relief operations in flood-hit Kerala, the Indian Army has been able to rescue 3,627 persons till date, including 22 foreign nationals, the Ministry of Defence said on Friday.
With an over 1,000 persons-strong rescue team, the Army is engaged in alleviating the situation in flood-battered Kerala since August 9, when it was hit by torrential rains that still continue.
"Thirteen temporary bridges were constructed to reconnect 38 remote areas and total of 3,627 persons have been rescued till date, including 22 foreign nationals.
"Relief materials have been sent to 19 villages with medical aid being provided to approximately 500 civilians. In addition, 3,000 pre-cooked meals and 300 life jackets have been handed over to civil administration on Friday," the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
The Army is engaged in the relief efforts on a "war footing" with the deployment of 10 flood relief columns, each having an approximate strength of 65 personnel in 10 districts, the statement added.
It has also engaged 10 Engineer Task Forces, each having about 45 personnel, to restore connectivity to remote villages through temporary foot-bridges and other means.
"Indian Army is deeply involved in the Rescue and Relief operations in Kerala which is witnessing very heavy rains since August 9, 2018.
"The Indian Army carried out execution of disaster relief tasks on a war footing which has been greatly appreciated by civilian populace and the state administration," the Ministry said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
4 workers die after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad
Dhanbad (Jharkhand) (PTI): At least four workers died after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Saturday, a police official said.
The incident took place at Moonidih coal washery in the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
"Bodies of all four workers were dug out of debris during a rescue operation," Putki police station in-charge Waqar Hussain told PTI.
The incident took place when coal slurry was being loaded into trucks by workers, during which a large chunk of slurry fell and trapped several workers underneath, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.
Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased and local villagers placed the bodies in front of the washery gate and began a protest.
They demanded compensation, jobs for dependents and action against those responsible for the incident.
Police and administration officials are trying to pacify the protesters, an official said.
