Bhubaneshwar: Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, has extended a helping hand to flood-ravaged Kerala state. A 245-member strong team of fire personnel has been rushed to join the relief and rescue operations.
These personnel, led by the Chief Fire Officer, are specialised and experienced in saving the flood victims. The team is equipped with as many as 75 boats and essentials, like breathing apparatus.
“Expressing concern over #KeralaFloods, CM @Naveen_Odisha pressed in to assisting rescue ops an Odisha contingent of 245 fire personnel, led by the Chief Fire Officer. Trained and experienced in flood rescue, the team is carrying 75 boats & necessities like BA sets,” Odisha’s Chief Minister Office informed on Twitter.
Patnaik has also sent a financial aid of Rs. 5 crore to Kerala’s Chief Ministers Relief Fund. Observers are hailing the gesture as at least seven districts of Odisha itself are reeling from flood situation.
Kerala is experiencing its worst floods in nearly a century, with torrential rains killing at least 324 people, displacing lakhs and crippling the infrastructure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, earlier on Saturday, conducted the aerial survey of the battered regions and announced an immediate aid of Rs 500 crore, in addition to Rs. 100 crore announced on August 12.
ANI