AMN
With the efforts of NDRF, RPF and flood rescue team from Navy, all the stranded passengers of the Mumbai-Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Express have been rescued.
Nearly 700 passengers were stuck inside the train which was held up due to flooding of tracks between Badlapur and Wangani near Kalyan in Thane district since last night.
The rescue operation lasted for more than 12 hours, involving teams of the NDRF, RPF and flood rescue team from Navy.
Home Minister Amit Shah praised the efforts of the NDRF, the three services and other agencies in rescuing the passengers.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai also lauded the efforts of NDRF in the rescue operation. He also expressed gratitude to Railways and Defence officials, especially the Air Force officers who helped in rescuing the passengers on-board the train.
Talking to media persons in New Delhi, Mr Rai said NDRF has made such an advancement in its resources that it works successfully in any part of the country when a situation arises.
Meanwhile, heavy rains continued to lash Mumbai for the fourth consecutive day today. The torrential rains resulted in flooding several areas and affecting air and rail traffic in the city. 17 flights were diverted from the Mumbai airport yesterday due to incessant downpour.
Several parts of the city including Sion, Matunga, Mahim, Andheri, Malad and Dahisar area are submerged. Local train services are also hit by the incessant rainfall.
Five NDRF teams have been deployed in various parts of Mumbai to rescue stranded people. Mumbai Police requested commuters to avoid water-logged areas and also to maintain distance from the sea.
According to IMD, intermittent rain with heavy to very heavy downpour is expected in Mumbai and suburban areas in the next 48 hours.