NDRF to launch intensive operations in flood-hit Jammu and Kashmir

NEW DELHI: Two teams of NDRF equipped with 30 boats today reached Srinagar as the force launched "intensive" operations to rescue people marooned and stranded by floods and rising waters.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) chief O P Singh told PTI that 30 boats have been airlifted from Tamil Nadu's Arrakonam and have reached Sringar today along with a 100 personnel strong contingent of the force to undertake and bolster the ongoing rescue operations.

"We are going to conduct intensive rescue operations from today. The fresh addition of men and material will aid our teams in rescuing more and more people stranded by floods," Singh said.

He said these teams will first be deployed to rescue people from Badamibagh area of Srinagar.

A total of 10,470 people have been rescued by the NDRF till now as over 150 boats and other critical equipment has been lowered down in the flood affected areas, he said.

The worst floods to hit the state in six decades have claimed nearly 200 lives.