The Telangana Revenue (Disaster Management) Department issued a memo Wednesday, emphasising the importance of not losing the ‘golden hour’. This memo outlines the measures implemented as part of the district-wide flood management plan.
In emergency medical terminology, the ‘golden hour’ refers to the crucial one-hour period following a traumatic injury. During this time, prompt medical and surgical treatment is most effective in preventing death and significantly improving recovery outcomes.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the monsoon might set in early and that the rains might start in Telangana from the last week of May. While all districts are expected to receive above normal rainfall, some districts, given their geo-physical conditions and rainfall patterns, are more vulnerable and timely action is the key to ensure that the preventive rescue efforts are in place well in time, said the memo.
It also recalled that during the heavy rains in August-September 2024, in a few cases, the ‘golden hour’ was lost because National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rescue teams could not reach in time as they had to travel from Vijayawada. The memo also stressed the measures that have been adopted. The state has put in place 10 State Disaster Response Force (SDRD) teams, each having 100 personnel from the Telangana Special Police (TGSP) battalions and based on their locations throughout the state.
“It was envisaged that these teams should be able to reach any district within an hour. Accordingly, 12 teams have been set up by TGSP,” the memo said.
Telangana has arranged accommodation for three NDRF teams in Hyderabad, and these teams will be exclusively for Telangana. In addition, the state government has requested the NDRF to place additional teams during the ensuing rainy season, especially in vulnerable districts.
The memo said fire stations in all former district headquarters have been equipped with the necessary flood-related equipment, and their personnel have been trained to serve as additional SDRF teams. For the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and other urban local bodies, Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets protection Agency (HYDRAA) teams are well-equipped with the personnel and materials needed to manage flood relief efforts, it added.
Story continues below this ad
The memo said the state is significantly better prepared to handle heavy rains and flash floods, which helps minimise damage and protect livelihoods. In a disaster-related emergency in the district, such as heavy rains or flash floods, district collectors must promptly contact the designated SDRF unit. At the same time, they should also reach out to the fire SDRF unit at the district headquarters through the district fire officer.
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
