Odisha government deploys 60 ODRAF teams for Asani

Bhubaneswar: With the severe cyclonic storm Asani moving close to Kakinada and Vizag of Andhra Pradesh, the Odisha government on Tuesday deployed 60 ODRAF teams and over 132 teams of Fire Service personnel in different districts of the state which are likely to experience heavy rainfall. 

Asani is likely to reach Kakinada and Visakhapatnam coasts on May 11 morning and move along Andhra Pradesh coast and weaken into a cyclonic storm.

Special Relief Commissioner, Pradeep Kumar Jena informed that 6 ODRAF and 13 Fire Service teams were deployed in Malkangiri, 6 ODRAF and 12 Fire Service teams in Koraput, 6 ODRAF and 30 Fire Service teams in Ganjam, 3 ODRAF and 10 Fire Service teams in Gajapati, and 3 ODRAF and 8 Fire Service teams in Rayagada districts.

Considering the emerging situation the ODRAF teams have been deployed, he added.

As per Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rains are expected tomorrow under the influence of ‘Asani’ in Koraput, Gajapati, Ganjam, Malkangiri and Rayagada districts.

Considering the situation, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has earmarked 50 teams for West Bengal, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. While, 22 teams are deployed on the ground, 28 self-contained teams are on alert within the states to tackle the situation.

Of the 22 deployed teams, 12 teams have been deployed at the coastal districts of West Bengal, nine teams have been deployed in Andhra Pradesh. Besides, one team is deployed at Balasore district Of Odisha.