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The tragic incident at a coaching center in Delhi, where three aspiring candidates for the USPC exam lost their lives due to flooding, underscores the devastating consequences of heavy rainfall and inadequate infrastructure. The basement of the coaching center rapidly filled with water, posing an immediate drowning risk to the students present. The rescue operation, which involved over 100 personnel from the fire brigade, NDRF, and police, faced significant challenges due to the flooded conditions, debris, and limited visibility.
The water, exceeding 12 feet in depth, impeded rescue efforts and forced the use of divers. Floating furniture, bookshelves, and debris hindered the divers' progress, creating a perilous environment. The basement's compartmentalized design, resembling a maze, further complicated the rescue, as trapped individuals struggled to find escape routes. The muddy water, poor lighting, and submerged library racks added to the difficulties faced by the rescuers.
The rescue operation took several hours, with the first body retrieved by divers and the final body recovered around 1:15 PM. While the water pumping efforts removed excess water, the topography of the area allowed the water to seep back in, delaying the rescue process. The broken gate of the coaching center, which allowed street water to infiltrate, highlighted the importance of proper safety measures to prevent such incidents. Despite the tragedy, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for adequate preparedness and infrastructure to mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events in urban areas.