Latest news with #FireandRescueServices
The Hindu
21 hours ago
- Climate
- The Hindu
Fire and Rescue Services Director reviews monsoon preparedness
Seema Agrawal, Director General of Police and Director of Fire and Rescue Services, on Wednesday reviewed the operational preparedness of the force in the western region in handling emergencies during the southwest monsoon. She held a review meeting with district officers from five districts of the western region, namely Coimbatore, the Nilgiris, Tiruppur, Erode and Dindigul at the District Fire Office on State Bank Road in the city. Ms. Agrawal, on her maiden visit to the western region after assuming the post, reviewed the availability of firefighting equipment, fire tenders, rescue vehicles, aerial ladder platform (ALP) vehicles, power tools, etc., as the region is receiving southwest monsoon rain. Officers reported that all the five districts are equipped and fully prepared to deal with rain-related emergencies. An officer, who attended the meeting, said that Ms. Agrawal also enquired about the requirements for each district, including new vehicles, equipment and funds for repairs. An ALP vehicle of the Coimbatore south station, which can reach up to an 18-floor building for fire-fighting and rescues, was operated for demonstration on the District Fire Office premises.
IOL News
a day ago
- General
- IOL News
R35,000 in 30 Minutes: The world rallies to help little Zoë hear for the first time
Tracy Olivari and her beautiful daughter Zoë Image: Supplied Just days after her heartfelt plea appeared in the Weekend Argus, Tracy Olivari from Goodwood received the kind of news that changes lives forever. In a bid to raise R35,000 for her daughter Zoë's hearing assessment and treatment — a crucial step before the young girl starts Grade 1 — Tracy never imagined how quickly help would come. Thanks to international support, including a powerful boost from American YouTuber Colonel Chris Wyatt, the full amount was raised in just 30 minutes. 'I'm still trying to wrap my head around it,' Tracy shared. 'I thought I'd be waiting months — I didn't expect this to happen in three days, let alone in under an hour. I'm completely overwhelmed.' Four-year-old Zoë's story of being born prematurely at just seven months, and was given only hours to live, touched many people, including Wyatt, a retired US Army colonel known for spotlighting South African stories. Wyatt, shared Zoë's story with his audience, who responded almost instantly — giving Zoë not only a chance to hear for the first time, but the opportunity to start school on equal footing with her peers. Tracy with a brave little Zoë Image: Supplied An appointment has already been booked with an audiologist for 17 June, just ahead of the new school term. It marks the beginning of a long-awaited journey for Zoë, who has never been able to hear since birth and in turn affected her speech. 'At least now, I can take her for proper assessments. That's something I couldn't do before,' Tracy said. 'It's going to be life-changing for her — and for us as a family.' The generosity didn't stop with donations. Cape Town's Fire and Rescue Services also jumped into action to help make one of Zoë's dreams come true. Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town's Fire and Rescue Services, immediately reached out to the Weekend Argus after reading Zoë's story. He offered her a personal tour of the Goodwood Fire Station — her favourite place. 'Most of us in the Fire Service are parents, and we all know the daily struggles and joys our kids bring to our lives,' said Carelse. 'Sometimes, the little moments — like bringing your child to a fire station — become the big ones. And who doesn't want to be a firefighter? We will make Zoë's day extremely special. We also want to show appreciation to Tracy, who is a single parent, and still giving 200% to make memories each day.' Tracy said she wants to stay transparent and keep supporters updated, and has launched a YouTube channel where she will document Zoë's journey — from diagnosis to treatment, and hopefully to the moment she hears for the first time. 'I want people to see where the money is going. I want them to feel a part of this journey. It's their kindness that made it possible.' Tracy recalled the exact moment everything changed. 'I had just left the office, and the campaign had only hit R1,100. My faith was low. I told myself I wouldn't keep checking because I'd just stress myself out. Then I got a call from my mum. She said, 'Tracy, we made it. Go and look.' When I saw that we'd gone over the target, I just cried. I was laughing, crying, silent — everything at once.' Even Zoë's older sister, just eight years old, was moved to tears. 'She said she's so excited to finally hear her sister's voice. We just held each other and cried.' Zoe Olivari Image: Supplied For Tracy, the journey is about more than just hearing aids or doctor's appointments. It's about the everyday moments most take for granted. 'She doesn't know what a bird sounds like. She's never heard my voice. I can't call out to her when she runs off — I just have to follow. I can't wait to hear her say: 'I love you, Mommy'. To hear it — not just feel it — that will be everything '2025 — who would've thought this would be the year everything turned around? It's a reminder that God really does come through. And that there are still incredibly good people in the world.' 'To every single person who donated — from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You've done more than help my daughter hear. You've shown us love, hope, and humanity. 'Thank you for the prayers especially- there is really power in prayer =. To the Fire department, thank you for reaching out, I know Zoë is going to love experiencing the big fire trucks, she's always been fascinated with it. 'And to the Weekend Argus — thank you for helping us tell our story…Thank you for being the one publication who got back to me. You helped change our lives.' [email protected] Weekend Argus
The Hindu
2 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Body of Tanzanian national who went missing in Kochi backwaters found
The body of a Tanzanian national who had gone missing in the Kochi backwaters was fished out from the waters on Tuesday. Abdul Ibrahim Salih, 22, who was undergoing training at the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala, went missing on Sunday. A coordinated search was launched by the Harbour police, Indian Navy, the Fire and Rescue Services, and the Coastal police since then. Reportedly, he was set to return to Tanzania for holidays from Kochi and had a brief halt here before returning home.
India Today
3 days ago
- General
- India Today
Foreign naval officer goes missing in backwaters of Kerala's Kochi
A foreign naval officer has reportedly gone missing in the backwaters of Kerala's Kochi. The missing officer was in Kerala for training at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, officials said.A defence Public Relations Officer (PRO) said the naval officer, whose nationality was not revealed, was involved in an accidental fall. According to the statement, there was an incident involving the accidental fall of an 'international trainee' into the Ernakulam channel at 5.30 to the statement, during the preliminary investigation, it was revealed that the trainee was on leave in Kochi, en route to his home country at the time of the incident. A search operation has been launched in the area by naval diving teams, the statement added. Fire and Rescue Services and the Indian Navy immediately began search operations in the area. Naval diving teams have been deployed for the search operation is currently naval officers come for training at the INA Ezhimala regularly, as part of India's commitment to strengthening international cooperation and showcasing its naval training cadets are integrated into the INA's regular training programmes, such as the Naval Orientation Course and courses, alongside Indian cadets. This means they participate in the same passing out parades and rigorous training May, it was reported that 'international cadets from four friendly foreign nations' graduated from the academy in a single passing out parade. Another report from April 2022, suggested that 42 international trainees from 12 countries were undergoing training at the INA in that by Thejaswini N IN THIS STORY#Kerala
The Hindu
27-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
36 persons caught in roller coaster ride in VGP, Injambakkam
Over 36 persons were stranded at the top of a roller coaster ride which got stuck at the height of approximately 150 feet on Tuesday evening at VGP Universal Kingdom, an amusement park in Injambakkam. They remained trapped at the top of this machine for about three hours. The roller coaster ride is named as 'Top Gun' ride and Rs 600 is the charge per person. This ride is not recommended for guests who have high blood pressure or a heart condition. At 6.50 pm, the giant roller coaster got stuck due to mechanical failure. The staff of the amusement park attempted to rectify the fault and bring down the people who were stuck mid air. Most riders felt dizzy and thirsty since there was no water supply. They also complained about laxity of the management in rescuing them. One of them said 'We were clueless about whether the staff was equipped enough to handle the fault and rescue us. They only alerted fire services only over 45 minutes. On receipt of the information about this, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Neelangarai, Bharat rushed to the spot and the personnel of Fire and Rescue Services also rushed to the spot with an aerial ladder. They began their operation rescuing children and women first and later others. At around 10 pm, they rescued all from the roller coaster. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Adyar, Pon Karthik Kumar coordinated the rescue work. The rescued people were also given medical aid and water.
