GUWAHATI, June 25 - A joint mock exercise on rail accidents and response was conducted by 1st Battalion NDRF in coordination with the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) on Friday at New Guwahati Rail Yard, under Lumding Division, Assam.
Having an experience of the problems faced in rescue and evacuation operations in rail accidents because of overturned bogies and limited access points, the 1st Battalion National Disaster Response Force executed the mock drill in coordination with Lumding Division of the NF Railway.
�The entire exercise was planned in view of the past rail accidents in the North-east region like that of July 10, 2011 at Bhatkuchi near Rangia Railway Station, of February 3, 2012 between Azara and Mirza and of April 16, 2014 between Jagiroad Railway Station and Aujuri (Morigaon),� said the NDRF in a statement.
The NDRF and railway personnel displayed rescue skills during the mock drill and rescued/evacuated the victims placed under various simulated scenarios. The equipment and manpower used in the exercise played a crucial role in the rescue operations.
The mock drill showed preparedness of the staff and officers concerned, especially during such accidents and calamities.
During the drill, the NDRF personnel demonstrated rescue/evacuation of trapped victims using equipment like gas cutter and hydraulic cutter. The capabilities of all equipment and their limitations were explained to all rescuers and training was imparted actually on the ground. During the drill, effective methodology and response drills were rehearsed and practised to ensure effective, speedy and safe operation.
The mock exercise also ensured community participation in initial response work to extricate and transport minor injured or lightly trapped victims while maintaining personal safety during rail accidents.
