Madikeri, May 30 -- With the monsoon arriving earlier than usual this year, the 10th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed in the district and is fully prepared to handle any rain-related emergencies.

NDRF Inspector G.D. Harishchandra Pandey assured that the 30-member team, stationed at the Maithri Police Community Hall, is equipped with all necessary tools and rescue equipment to respond swiftly to natural disasters such as floods and landslides.

The team was deployed in the third week of May following a request from the State Government and the District Administration.

"Our team is ready with life jackets, motorboats, rafts, tree-cutting machines, ropes, searchlights, oxygen cylinders, stretchers,...