Odisha CM felicitates fire personnel for rescuing Kerala flood victims

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today felicitated fire personnel, who had participated in rescue and relief operations in the flood-ravaged Kerala.

The CM met the fire services personnel in a special function at the State Secretariat here this afternoon and appreciated their efforts for carrying out rescue operations in challenging conditions.

He also announced Rs 25 lakh would be given to the Fire Welfare Fund every year.

Director General of Fire Service & Commandant General, Home Guards & Director Civil Defence, B K Sharma was present at the occasion.

Hon.Chief Minister Odisha announced an annual grant of Rs.25 lakhs to the Fire Services Welfare Fund in recognition of exceptional public service rendered by Fire personnel in #KeralaFloods

— Bijay Kumar Sharma (@BijayKumarShar7) August 25, 2018

The State government had sent a contingent of 245 fire personnel headed by Chief Fire Officer Sukant Sethi to the flood-hit Kerala following a request from the Centre.

Trained and experienced in flood rescue, the team includes 225 fire services personnel, 15 supervisors with 75 power boats and other modern equipment.

The team also carried underwater equipment, 10 tower lights, power saws, solar search lights, tents, 137 life buoy, 31 lifelines, 30 sleeping mats and other sophisticated gadgets to carry out rescue work.

The fire personnel not only saved human lives, but also gave a new lease of life to domestic animals like cows, goats and pets like dogs.

The teams carried out rescue operations, transported flood victims to relief camps, and provided relief materials, mostly at Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. The fire fighters operated at Chengannur town which is on the banks of Pamba river in Alappuzha district.