Emergency Number

Maui's emergency services chief resigns after facing criticism for inaction

The head of the Maui Emergency Management Agency resigned abruptly Thursday, a day after saying he had no regret about not using sirens to warn residents of wildfires that devastated the historic seaside community of Lahaina and killed at least 111 people. That decision from the agency directed by Administrator Herman Andaya, coupled with water shortages that hampered firefighters and an escape route that became clogged with vehicles, has brought intense criticism from many residents. The lack of sirens has emerged as a potential misstep, and The Associated Press reported that it was part of a series of communication issues that added to the chaos. Mayor Richard Bissen accepted Andaya's resignation effective immediately, the County of Maui announced on Facebook. Andaya cited unspecified health reasons, with no further details provided. Given the gravity of the crisis we are facing, my team and I will be placing someone in this key position as quickly as possible, Bissen said in the

Health emergency of a lifetime

The ministries may not have opted to work from home yet but that doesn't mean the government sees COVID-19 as a passing threat

16 states, UTs get single emergency helpline '112' for quick assistance

The 112 helpline is an integration of police (100), fire (101) and women (1090) helpline numbers. The health helpline (108) will be integrated with it soon

112 India: Nagaland becomes second state to adopt pan-India women helpline

'SHOUT' feature in '112 India' mobile app linked to Emergency Response Support; Fast-track courts set up to deal with sexual assault cases, portals launched for national database on sexual offenders

Dial 108: India's emergency response number has saved 1.5 mn lives so far

The service, currently available in 16 states and two union territories, employs 47,000 people and attends 80,000 calls daily

Now dial 112 for emergency assistance across India

The government is looking to roll out the new service later this year, as it phases out all current emergency numbers