New Delhi, Jan 20 (IANS): To ensure a quick response in the event of a disaster, the central government has sanctioned 23 field locations for deployment of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, an official statement said Tuesday.

The NDRF, raised Jan 19, 2006, celebrates its raising day here Wednesday, the statement said.

During the raising day celebrations, the NDRF will have, among other things, a live demonstration "to create awareness about the disaster management/response".

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will be the chief guest at the function, the statement added.

The NDRF has handled relief and rescue operations during a number of disasters including floods, train accidents, building collapse incidents, landslides in various parts of the country last year.

Apart from rescue operations, it is also active in community capacity building for disaster response and imparting training to State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).