BHUBANESWAR: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and city police on Wednesday firmed up their cyclone preparedness. Mayor Sulochana Das visited select cyclone shelters and twin cities’ police commissioner S Dev Datta Singh directed the police force to join hands with civic authorities to help trapped people.
While BMC made its control room functional from Wednesday with 12 lines open for toll-free number 1929, multiple teams brought down the high-mast lights installed at over 100 locations in the city at prominent intersections to avoid damage during the cyclone. BMC squads also asked all high-rise developers to bring down or stop their cranes to avoid accidents during the cyclone.
“I visited some cyclone shelters to see if those are ready to accommodate evacuees. All shelters have basic facilities in place. If needed, cooked food will be brought. At some shelters, food may be cooked. Teams are ready to bring residents from vulnerable pockets,” said Das.
City police have mobilised special teams, including personnel from 7th OASP Battalion, radio operator team, home guards, counter-terrorist squads and commissionerate police sports teams. Each team comprises eight members led by a sub-inspector.
The teams have been equipped with essential rescue gear, such as ropes, crowbars, torches, tree-cutters, first-aid kits, stretchers, lifeboats, oxygen, cameras, life jackets, generators, and others. “Support vehicles with adequate fuel are in place,” said Singh.
Police have opened a separate control room to keep in touch with BMC officials. “At least 20 motorcycles, 5 excavators, 10 tractors, 5 trolleys and ambulance will be deployed for rescue operations,” he added.
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