Centre Responds To Mamata Banerjee's Request, Sends 5 Army Columns And NDRF Team To Help Kolkata

KOLKATA: The centre on Saturday decided to deploy five columns of the Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to restore infrastructure in Kolkata damaged by cyclone 'Amphan'. The West Bengal government had sought the support of NDRF, SDRF, Port and private sectors to assist the Kolkata City Civil Administration to get cyclone ravaged areas back on its feet. Cyclone Amphan, the most severe storm in the Bay of Bengal has affected scores of people and thousands of trees uprooted, houses flattened in Kolkata. 

The Home Department, Government of West Bengal tweeted that, "GOWB mobilizes maximum strength in unified command mode on 24×7 basis for immediate restoration of essential infrastructure and services as soon as possible. Army support has been called for; NDRF and SDRF teams deployed; Railways, Port & private sector too requested to supply teams and equipment. Drinking water and drainage infrastructure getting restored fast. PHE asked to supply water pouches in gap pockets. Generators being hired where necessary. More than a hundred teams from multiple departments and bodies working for cutting of fallen trees which is the key to the restoration of power in localities. WBSEDCL & CESC asked to deploy maximal manpower, even while lockdown significantly affects the deployment potential of the latter. Police on high alert." Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken an aerial survey of cyclone Amphan hit areas and has announced an interim relief assistance of Rs 1,000 crore.

Hundreds of people took to the streets at various parts in Kolkatta on Saturday and started protests against the slow government response to power cuts and flooding after the devastating cyclone. Mamata Banerjee requested the people to have patience and said that, "It's just been two days since the catastrophe. We are all working day and night. Please be patient. We are trying to restore everything as soon as possible."