Odisha to send 500 disaster, fire personnel to assist in rescue ops in cyclone-scarred West Bengal

Odisha government on Saturday said it will send 500 personnel from state's disaster rapid action force and fire service to assist in relief and rescue operations in cyclone-ravd West Bengal. Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena said ODRAF and fire service personnel will soon start proceeding with necessary equipment to neighbouring state from Sunday.

"#CycloneAmphan is one of worst disasters to hit #WestBengal. people of #Odisha stand by #WestBengal during this unprecedented crisis. Odisha has sent a team of 500 members, including 300 fire personnel & 10 ODRAF teams to assist in relief & rescue operations," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said in a tweet.

Conveying Odisha's "absolute solidarity with people of West Bengal", Patnaik has assured all possible support to state in terms of men and material to tide over crisis. Kwn for ir expertise and experience, well- trained personnel will take part in restoration of road communication by cutting and clearing trees, thousands of which were kcked to ground in West Bengal by extremely severe cyclone, officials said.

In 2018, Odisha had rushed men and resources to sourn state of Kerala, which was severely hit by unprecedented floods. death toll due to cyclone 'Amphan' in West Bengal has risen to 85, as angry Kolkatans resorted to protest and road blockades in various parts of city over administration's failure to restore rmalcy even after three days.