Cuttack: The Odisha Fire and Emergency Services has undertaken a massive deployment of 138 dedicated flood rescue teams across four vulnerable districts—Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, and Jajpur—in anticipation of an impending flood situation. The large-scale mobilization aims to enhance preparedness, ensure timely rescue operations, and minimize risk to human life.
Each of the 138 rescue teams is fully equipped with a vehicle, an inflatable boat, an outboard motor (OBM), life jackets, life buoys, torches, and tower lights, ensuring their readiness for immediate deployment. In total, the department has mobilized 138 rescue boats, 138 OBMs, 414 life buoys, 1,380 life jackets, and 138 tower and torch lights. A trained manpower of 966 Fire Services personnel has been deployed to support these efforts.
The district-wise deployment includes: Balasore: 26 teams Bhadrak: 13 teams Mayurbhanj: 23 teams and Jajpur: 14 teams
The flood rescue operations are being closely supervised by senior officials. Sri R.C. Majhi, Chief Fire Officer, Odisha, is stationed at Camp Balasore. Sri T.K. Babu, Fire Officer, Central Range, Cuttack, is supervising operations in Bhadrak and Jajpur. Sri D.K. Swain, Chief Fire Officer (SAG), Odisha, is in charge of the Control Room and coordination efforts. Dr. U.S. Dash, IPS, Deputy Inspector General, Fire & Emergency Services, holds overall responsibility for the flood and rescue arrangements.
DGP Fire and Emergency Services, Sudhanshu Sarangi, is continuously monitoring all rescue efforts. DGP Odisha Fire and Emergency Services Shri Sarangi urges citizens in vulnerable areas to remain alert and cooperate with the local administration. In case of any emergency, the public is advised to dial 112 for immediate fire and rescue assistance.