Indian rescue team's plan of action for Japan

As the nuclear crisis in quake-hit Japan escalates, nations across the world rush to its rescue. Search teams from United States and Britain have been serving in Japan for days now and India will soon be joining the efforts.    

An Indian rescue team comprising 51 officials -- all dressed in a blue uniform of National Disaster Rescue Force -- took a flight to Japan on Friday night. Not only will they assist in looking for survivors but may also help evacuate stranded Indian nationals.     

The team has been briefed about the various aspects of rescue work, including radioactive hazards, one of the commanders told rediff.com.

The officer, who requested anonymity, said that Japan requested the Indian government to send a team from India to assist in rescue operations. "The Japanese administration is short on manpower and requested some countries, which have a proven track-record in rescue operations, to send its forces. We will be serving in the quake-hit areas for at least 10 days," he said.  

Even though the team is not expected to assist in rescue operations in Fukushima and its neigbouring areas affected by radiation, they have been briefed by senior officials in the National Disaster Management Authority on radiation hazards.

"We have been briefed by a member of the NDMA, who is an expert in radioactive hazards. Fortunately, the wind is blowing radioactive particles towards the sea, but we still cannot be sure. All 51 men on the team are equipped with masks so that radioactive particles are not inhaled. We are also equipped with a nuclear radiation meter to assess the level of radioactivity. In addition, we are carrying potassium iodide tablets to block absorption of radioactive iodide," the commander said.

The Japanese administration has requested to send a team that can assist them in "rescue and search operations in addition to the removal of debris and clean-up efforts". India's rescue team consists of seven drivers, two of who are authorised to operate heavy machinery. It is trained in recovering bodies and also in administering first aid to the injured.

The team is equipped with satellite phones, which will help it get in touch with officers back home in case communication breaks down. Unaware of the kind of circumstances that they will face in the ravaged nation, they are carrying with them food and water, which will last them for 10 days.     

"We have received a word that it is snowing in Japan. So we are equipped with winter wear as well. The team will be accompanied by interpreters so that language is not a barrier," the officer added.