Bhubaneswar: With Cyclone Arnab affecting normal life across southern Odisha due to strong winds and heavy rain, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) has launched rescue operations on a war footing.
Large trees uprooted on various roads, including national highways, have disrupted traffic and communication. A total of 20 ODRAF units (60 sub-units) have been deployed in 14 affected districts – Ganjam, Gajapati, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Puri, Mayurbhanj, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka and Khordha.
The teams are operating in coordination with local administration. The teams have been stationed at sensitive pockets including Berhampur, Bhanjanagar, Patrapur, Nuagada, Mohana, Mathili, Chitrakonda, Bissamcuttack, Dharamgada, Brahmagiri, Kanas, Kakatpur, Udala, Badasahi and Balugaon.
ODRAF personnel are rescuing people trapped in flood-hit coastal and low-lying areas and shifting them to safer places and cyclone shelters, with special focus on elderly, women, children and livestock.
Under direct supervision of ADG (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar, concerned Range IG, DIG and district SPs are monitoring ODRAF operations. Teams are clearing fallen trees and removing road blockades to restore traffic and communication and provide immediate assistance.
The situation is being continuously monitored through ODRAF’s 24-hour emergency control room and rescue teams are kept active as required. DGP Vinaytosh Mishra has appreciated dedication and courage of ODRAF personnel and directed that public safety be given top priority during disasters and forces remain fully alert for next few days to deal with any emergency.
