Ahmedabad, December 27: They were all set, waiting for their orders to leave for rescue work in South India, where a killer tsunami left a trail of death and devastation. After a tedious, but futile wait firemen from Vadodara left for their hometown, while the one in Ahmedabad decided to wait and watch.

The teams had prepared to leave after the GSDMA made an announcement about rescue operations in five states of South India affected by tsunami waves that were triggered by a massive undersea earthquake in Indonesia on Sunday.

While the team from Ahmedabad comprised three doctors of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and 33 firemen, the team from Vadodara comprised 15 firemen led by fire station officer H J Taparia. The teams were ready to leave with rescue equipment including spreaders, battery-operated iron and wood cutters, life jackets, life boats and spotlights. GSDMA Joint CEO V Thirupuggaz said, ‘‘The Centre and concerned state governments have been told that our teams are ready. If they ask for help, the teams will leave immediately.’ ‘‘Our team includes 15 firemen who are trained for rescue operations in the Netherlands,’’ said Rajesh Bhatt, Divisional Fire Officer.