Bhubaneswar: Extending helping hand to Kerala that witnessed massive loss and destruction triggered by the torrential rains, Odisha government sent a team of fire services to the south Indian State for rescue operations.

A special team of Odisha fire services department comprising of 240 personnel along with 75 power boats left for Kerala this morning to rescue the people stranded and suffering in floods.

The Fire services DG BK Sharma flagged off the team.

"On request of the Centre, Odisha government is sending a team of fire personnel to Kerala for rescue operations in floods. The team consisting of 240 personnel along with 75 power boats is ready to fly to Kerala in a special aircraft," Sharma said.

"This is certainly a matter of pride for Odisha fire services department. Earlier, Odisha fire personnel had done tremendous job during Cyclone Hudhud in coastal Andhra Pradesh. As Odisha fire personnel have been selected for assisting in rescue operations in Kerala, today we also hope that our fire personnel will play a crucial role in flood operations in Kerala," he added.

Earlier on August 16, the State government led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had announced Rs 5 crore as financial assistance for Kerala flood victims.

Read: Odisha CM announces financial aid for Kerala flood victims

The heavy rain continued to lash Kerala claiming 180 lives so far.

Reports said that over 3 lakh people were forced to move to 2,000 relief camps. The rain subsided on Saturday morning resulting in the water level in Idukki and parts of Ernakulam and Thrissur districts coming down.