Mumbai cops undergo training to tackle rain-triggered disasters

With the monsoon marking its arrival in the city, the Mumbai police are getting ready to tackle the problems that come along with rains. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation along with fire department imparted training to a batch of cops from central region on guidelines to follow during monsoon-related disasters.

The two-day training session was conducted by the disaster management cell of the civic body and was held at the additional commissioner of police (central region) office. Six inspectors, nine assistant inspectors, 19 police sub inspectors and 15 constables were trained by the civic officials on how to respond to a crisis in city during monsoon.

Additional Commissioner of Police (Add CP) Central Region Madhukar Pandey said, "Police generally are the first people who reach a spot during a disaster. So we thought that it was necessary for them to have a basic training on what is to be done in such a situation and what things have to be avoided."

The participants were trained on Thursday and Friday in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), methods of using tyres during flooding, and basic first aid that needs to be given if there are any injured in an accident.

The police, as part of their monsoon preparedness, have already identified low lying neighbourhoods as well as the landslide-prone areas in their jurisdiction so as give special attention.

Police stations that have beaches under their jurisdiction have been asked to increase vigil along the seafront and to make public announcement during high tides, requesting people not to venture in the sea.

Pandey said, "We will be having policemen in uniform as well as in plain clothes who will be keeping an eye on the beaches, However it is important that the people listen to the warnings given by the authorities and follow them as all these measures are taken for their safety."