Armed forces play imp role in relief ops during calamities:Min

Andhra Pradesh Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao today said armed forces are play an important role in rescue and relief operations during natural calamities such as cyclones, earthquakes and floods.
The state HRD minister was speaking on the opening day of the three day Joint Disaster Management Exercise titled 'Prakampana', organised by the Eastern Naval Command.
He said the state government had focused on state disaster response force and provided latest equipment and 700 trained personnel to participate in rescue and relief operations during the natural calamities.
According to Rao, the state government is making efforts to establish a National Disaster Response Force Center here.

Andhra Pradesh Chief secretary S P Tucker underlined the need for creation of insurance coverage to the affected people during natural calamities.
He said the National Disaster Management Authority should look into the matters of insurance coverage.

ENC's Flag Officer, Commanding-in-Chief Vice Admiral HCS Bisht said the exercise was being conducted based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directive to the Navy to take lead and liaise with various stake holders and coordinate a large scale disaster relief exercise.
"We aim to synergies various agencies involved in Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief and refine the disaster management strategy and formulae policies for risk reduction and maximise relief," he added.

The exercise is aimed at refining existing standard operating procedures of all stakeholders and to ensure that all concerned agencies work in unison to deliver timely, effective and efficient relief to all citizens in time of need.