The has decided to create a web portal to monitor and manage the disaster response system in districts during emergencies and rescue operations.
Since ODRAF (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force) andOFES(Odisha Fire&Emergency Service) are the first responders during emergency, rescue and evacuation operations, we want to further streamline their Services. A web portal will be developed for inventory of all disaster response equipment, vehicles and accessories available at ODRAF units and fire stations in districts for proper tracking, timely repair and maintenance. This will ensure functionality of the emergency equipment for optimum utilization at the time of disaster, a senior government official said.
While ODRAF has 20 units in the state, OFES has around 345 stations across Odisha.
In the past 11 years, Odisha has seen 16 natural disasters, causing loss to public and private properties. The state was hit by 10 Cyclones, three droughts, two severe floods and one untimely rain between 2010 and 2021, official sources said. In October last year, the government announced to introduce disaster and pandemic management in the curriculum of schools and colleges to prepare Disaster Management yodhas (warriors) in every household.