Bhubaneswar: With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting Cyclone Montha over the Bay of Bengal, the Odisha Fire and Emergency Services have gone on high alert and made comprehensive preparedness arrangements across the state.
Director General of Fire & Emergency Services Sudhansu Sarangi said that while the cyclone itself may cause damage, heavy rainfall and subsequent landslides could pose a greater threat in several regions.
“Landslides or soil erosion are often observed in areas such as Kalinga Ghati, parts of Malkangiri, and Thuamul Rampur. Our teams are fully prepared to respond to such situations,” he stated.
The department has made extensive arrangements for rescue operations, including the deployment of boats and trained personnel. Experienced fire officers have been assigned to lead rescue missions in flood-prone areas to ensure swift evacuation and relief efforts.
Special attention has been given to tourist safety. Around 100 lifeguards have been deployed in Puri, while additional teams are stationed in Gopalpur to manage any emergencies along the coastline.
To strengthen the disaster response, 130 fire and rescue teams have been deployed across Gajapati, Malkangiri, Berhampur, and Koraput districts. Each team is equipped with advanced tools and technology to handle firefighting, flood rescues, and cyclone-related emergencies.
DG Sarangi emphasized that the department is coordinating closely with district administrations and other agencies to ensure a rapid and efficient response as the cyclone approaches.
