Question : Unprecedented Flood

(a) whether Indian rivers have crossed the highest flood level 25 times in August 2019 causing extreme floods in many States;

(b) if so, the details of the States which are most affected in the last two to three months along with the number of people killed/injured and property destroyed as a result of extreme floods and the quantum of compensation paid, State-wise;

(c) whether the Government has deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in flood affected States to rescue people;

(d) if so, the number of NDRF personnel deployed and the number of people rescued by them;

(e) whether availability of less NDRF force has affected rescue work; and

(f) if so, whether the Government proposes to enhance the strength of NDRF
in view of huge work load?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a): During the months of August, extreme floods were experienced in 25 Hydrological Observation (HO) stations maintained by Central Water Commission. Out of which 2 were Flood Forecasting Stations and 23 were

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L.S.US.Q.NO.433 FOR 19.11.2019

flood monitoring HO Stations in the States of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

(b): Extreme floods were witnessed in the States of Assam, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu during August, September and October, 2019. Details of the losses due to floods/ landslides/ cloudburst and other Hydro-meteorological hazards, as reported by these State Governments during the south-west monsoon 2019 are at Annexure-I. As per the existing mechanism, financial assistance provided under State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) in the wake of natural disasters is by way of immediate relief and not for the compensation of loss as suffered/claimed. Details of the funds released to the States under SDRF and NDRF during financial year 2019-20 is at Annexure-II.

(c) to (f): Central Government deployed requisite number of teams of National Disaster Response Force as per request of flood affected State Governments for rescue and relief. State-wise deployment of National Disaster Response Force and number of persons rescued are at Annexure-III. Further, keeping in view the vulnerability profile of India and in order to reduce response time in the wake of any disaster/ emergency, the Government has approved raising of 04 additional battalions of National Disaster Response Force.
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