Vikash Sharma

Bhubaneswar: At a time when Kerala has been battered by worst ever floods in its history, Odisha Fire Services Department has geared up to lend a helping hand to the affected.

A special team of fire services comprising 240 fire personnel equipped with several gadgets and 75 power boats today left for Kerala to assist in rescue operations.

DG Fire Services BK Sharma today flagged off the team to carry out rescue operations in Kerala.

"On request of the Centre, Odisha government is sending a special team of the fire services department to assist in flood rescue operations in Kerala. The team today left for Kerala in a special aircraft," said Sharma.

Sharma further informed that the fire services personnel from Odisha had earlier played a crucial role in carrying out rescue operations in Andhra Pradesh during cyclone Hudhud.

Sharma stated that it will be a matter of pride for the team if they are engaged by authorities in Kerala for rescuing people along with the 140 persons from Odisha stranded in a shelter house at Aluva Munnar Road, Odapally, Near Asha Munnar Post Office.

Meanwhile, Odisha government has set up a 24-hour helpline 1070 and 0674-2534177 at the Special Relief Commissioner's (SRC) office to coordinate help for the people in difficulty in Kerala.

A four-member team led by Assistant Labour Commissioner today left for Kerala to take stock of the situation and initiate measures for rescuing the stranded odias in Kerala, informed labour minister Sushant Singh.

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