Odisha fire service on high alert and equipped for impending low-pressure rains

Bhubaneswar: In anticipation of the heavy rainfall across the state on instruction of the DG Fire and Emergency Service Dr sudhanshu Sarangi,the IG of Fire Service, Dr. Uma Shankar Dash, convened a meeting yesterday to carefully scrutinize the deployment plans and ensure maximum operational readiness.

The Odisha Fire and Emergency Service is fully ready to handle heavy rains and flooding caused by the low-pressure system.

All fire stations across the state are on high alert and working 24 hours a day. Rescue teams are stationed in all three Ranges: the Central Range (Cuttack), Southern Range (Brahmapur), and Northern Range (Sambalpur).

The department is working closely with local district offices to help people quickly if there is an emergency.

​To rescue people from water, the department has placed 324 inflatable rubber boats with motors across the state, including 159 in the Central Range, 84 in the Southern Range, and 81 in the Northern Range.

There are also 3,143 life jackets and 2,712 life buoys ready to keep people safe in deep water. For very difficult underwater rescues, teams have 145 underwater breathing sets and 161 surface breathing sets ready to use.

​To clear flooded streets and low-lying areas, the department has deploy 952 water pumps.

This includes 51 high-capacity pumps, 477 trailer pumps, 409 portable pumps, and 15 floating pumps. These pumps will be used immediately to clear out flooded water.

​Heavy rains can also knock down trees and damage buildings. To clear roads quickly, the teams have 1,551 mechanical chain saws and 17 electric power saws.

They also have 136 hydraulic rescue tools, 17 concrete cutters, and 102 bolt cutters to cut through debris. To help teams work during the night, the department has set up 628 tower lights and 173 searchlights.

Citizens are requested to stay tuned to official weather bulletins, avoid venturing into waterlogged areas, and contact their local Fire Station or the centralized Emergency Helpline ( 112) for immediate assistance.