339 Fire Stations Put On Preparedness For Cyclone ‘Asani’ In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: With the low pressure area over southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Andaman Sea turning into a well-marked low pressure area on Saturday, the Fire Services department has geared up to meet any eventualities that may arise if the system intensifies into Cyclone ‘Asani’.

Speaking to media persons, here on Saturday, director general, Fire Services  Santosh Kumar Upadhyay said the department is all prepared for rescue and relief operation with the latest equipment in the wake of the cyclone. Total 339 Fire Stations are already in operation mode.

Stating that 175 teams have been formed for deployment in the districts, he said each team comprises 6 personnel with necessary equipment including power saw, combi tools, tower lights and other things.

The DGP said all the personnel have been directed to ensure the target of zero casualty. While they would be deployed in the most affected areas, four districts are on top priority.

In Bhubaneswar, 32 pumps would be used for draining out rainwater following the cyclone at 18 vulnerable places, he said adding that the pumps would also be installed in the water logging areas of Cuttack and Puri.

Meanwhile, the low pressure that has become a well marked low pressure area is very likely to move northwestwards and intensify into a depression over southeast Bay of Bengal during next 12 hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

It is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm over east-central Bay of Bengal by Sunday evening and move northwestwards to reach west-central and adjoining north-west Bay of Bengal off north Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts by May 10, the IMD said.