Bhubaneswar, October 26 : Cyclone Dana made landfall near the Bhitarkanika-Dhamara region of Bhadrak in the early hours of Friday, bringing severe destruction to surrounding areas.
In response, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) launched a large-scale rescue and relief operation, particularly focusing on the Bhadrak district and its neighboring regions.
ODRAF teams, along with the district police, successfully evacuated several families from the village of Baliharpur under Bansada GP of Bhadrak Police Station.
Similarly, under the leadership of Dr. Satyajit Nayak, DIG, Eastrn Range, ODRAF teams, along with the district police today rescued senior citizens from Dahilapada of Bhadrak Muncipality area.
In a remarkable late-night rescue operation on Saturday, a team led by Dr. Satyajit Naik, IPS, DIG of the Eastern Range, Balasore, and SP Bhadrak, successfully evacuated 24 individuals stranded in Tala Gopabindha village due to the rising waters of the swollen Salandi River.
Acting on information provided by local residents, the rescue operation began at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday , with a swift and coordinated effort by the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and local authorities.
The group, consisting mostly of children, women, elderly, and sick individuals, was safely relocated to the cyclone shelter at Aishanyachandi High School. This prompt and efficient response by the rescue team underscores the commitment and preparedness of Odisha’s emergency services in safeguarding lives during critical situations.
Rising floodwaters from the cyclone left parts of the area submerged, requiring immediate action to ensure the safety of residents.
The rescue efforts were praised by Dr. Naik, DIG, Eastern Range, Balasore, who commended the ODRAF team’s dedication. "Kudos to the ODRAF team for their outstanding rescue operation in Bhadrak, where they successfully saved a senior citizen," he said.
Alongside the ODRAF, Dr. Naik and the SP of Bhadrak contributed to the coordination of this life-saving mission.
