Why in news?
Ten additional NDRF teams have been mobilized and are being rushed at the earliest from NDRF locations outside West Bengal to provide support to West Bengal for post cyclone Amphan management.
The additional deployment of 10 teams will bring the total deployment to 36 teams of NDRF across the 6 districts of West Bengal affected by Cyclone Amphan.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
- The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is an Indian specialised force constituted “for the purpose of specialist response to a threatening disaster situation or disaster” under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- The “Apex Body for Disaster Management” in India is the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and NDRF is under NDMA.
- The heads of NDRF – The NDRF Director Generals – are IPS officers on deputation from Indian police organisations.
- When ‘calamities of severe nature’ occur, the Central Government is responsible for providing aid and assistance to the affected state, including deploying, at the State’s request, of Armed Forces, Central Paramilitary Forces, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and such communication, air and other assets, as are available and needed.
- NDRF has proved its efficacy with its commendable performance during various disasters including the drowning cases, building collapses, landslides, devastating floods and Cyclones.
