Bhanjanagar: The Odisha Fire Services Department has intensified its preparedness ahead of a possible cyclone expected to make landfall on October 28. With forecasts indicating heavy rainfall in several districts, including Ganjam, emergency response teams have been placed on high alert to deal with potential disasters.
As part of the precautionary measures, staff leave has been cancelled, and personnel have been instructed to remain ready for immediate deployment. The Bhanjanagar Fire Services unit has formed two dedicated teams and kept essential rescue equipment ready to respond to emergencies such as flooding, landslides and road blockages caused by fallen trees.
Bhanjanagar Fire Services Prepares for Emergency Response
The Bhanjanagar Fire Services unit has mobilized its personnel and resources to ensure a swift response if the weather deteriorates. According to fire services personnel, all staff members are present on duty, including those who had previously been on leave and have since rejoined following the alert.
The teams are prepared to respond to emergency calls and assist residents who may be affected by heavy rainfall, strong winds or flooding. The department is focusing on ensuring that rescue operations can begin without delay if the situation demands immediate intervention.
Boats, Cutters and Rescue Equipment Kept Ready
Fire officer Chakradhar Kanhar said the teams were prepared to handle various emergencies, including flooding, fallen trees and landslides.
He explained that boats would be used to rescue people swept away by rising water in rivers and streams. Cutters would help remove fallen trees blocking roads, while spreaders would be used to assist people trapped beneath debris during landslides.
Kanhar said the unit was fully prepared and operating in alert mode to respond to any emergency during the possible cyclone.
Power Saws to Clear Roads Blocked by Fallen Trees
Strong winds accompanying a cyclone can uproot trees and disrupt road connectivity, potentially delaying emergency services and affecting public movement. To address such situations, the Bhanjanagar teams have kept power saws ready to cut fallen trees and clear blocked roads as quickly as possible.
Fire services personnel said they were trained to handle emergency situations and would work together to rescue people while following the necessary safety precautions during operations.
The teams have also emphasised their objective of preventing casualties and ensuring the safety of both affected residents and rescue personnel.
Staff Leave Cancelled, Personnel on Duty
As part of the department’s preparedness measures, all available personnel have been directed to remain on duty. Staff members who had been on leave have also returned following the alert.
A fire services personnel member said the entire team was ready to respond whenever an emergency arose. The department has prioritised the availability of trained personnel and rescue equipment to ensure that assistance can be provided promptly.
Authorities Remain Alert as Cyclone Preparations Continue
With heavy rainfall and strong winds posing potential risks to vulnerable areas, the Fire Services Department is maintaining its readiness to deal with possible flooding, landslides and other weather-related emergencies.
The preparedness measures at Bhanjanagar form part of the broader effort to strengthen emergency response capabilities in Odisha ahead of the possible cyclone. Residents are advised to follow official weather updates and instructions issued by local authorities.
