By Our Correspondent
KATAKA/BHUBANESWAR:Due to the strong winds and heavy rains caused by the cyclone ‘Arnav’, normal life has been affected in various parts of the state, especially in southern Odisha. Due to the storm and rain, large trees have been uprooted on various roads including the national highway, disrupting traffic and communication. To deal with this situation, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) is continuing the recovery work on a war footing.
A total of 20 ODRAF units (60 sub-units) have been deployed in various districts affected by the cyclone in the state. These teams, deployed in various areas including Ganjam, Gajapati, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Puri, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack and Khordha, are engaged in rescue and disaster management operations in coordination with the local administration. The teams have been deployed in various sensitive areas like Berhampur, Bhanjanagar, Patrapur, Nuagarh, Mohna, Mathili, Chitrakonda, Bismakattak, Rajkhariar, Brahmagiri, Kanas, Kakatpur, Udla, Badasahi and Balugaon. The ODRAF teams are working vigilantly to ensure public safety and provision of emergency assistance in the post-cyclone situation.
ODRAF teams are rescuing people trapped in flood-hit areas of various blocks including the coastal areas and southern Odisha and shifting them to safer places and cyclone shelters. Special emphasis is being given to the safe rescue and rehabilitation of the elderly, women, children and domestic animals.
Under the direct supervision of Additional Director General of Security (Law and Order) Shri Sanjay Kumar, the concerned Range IG, DIG and District Security Superintendent ODRAF teams are inspecting the situation. The ODRAF teams have been deployed in the affected rural and urban areas. Efforts are on to cut down the fallen trees on the roads and remove the blockages to normalize the traffic and communication system and provide immediate assistance to the affected people.
Along with this, the situation is being continuously monitored through ODRAF’s 24-hour emergency control room. Rescue teams have been activated as required after assessing the situation in various areas.
State Director General of Police, Shri Binaytosh Mishra has highly appreciated the dedication, bravery and rescue work of ODRAF personnel. He has directed to give utmost priority to the safety of the public during the disaster and to remain fully alert for the next few days and be ready to deal with any emergency situation immediately.
