The Odisha government on Saturday sent a special team of fire service personnel armed with adequate modern equipment to assist in the rescue and relief operations in flood-ravaged Kerala.

“Expressing concern over Kerala floods, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik pressed into assisting rescue operations an Odisha contingent of 245 fire personnel, led by the Chief Fire Officer. Trained and experienced in flood rescue, the team is carrying 75 boats and necessities like breathing apparatus sets,” the Chief Minister’s Office tweeted.

The team comprising 225 fire service personnel, 15 supervisors and other officers carrying 75 power boats left for Kerala in a special Air Force aircraft.

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

The State government decided to send the team to Kerala following a request from the Centre, said Director General of Fire Services Bijay Kumar Sharma.

State Labour Minister Sushant Singh said that another four-member team has also been sent to facilitate the rescue of Odia people who were marooned in the State.

The Odisha government has set up a 24-hour helpline, 1070 and 0674-2534177, at the Special Relief Commissioner’s office to help Odia people in distress in Kerala.

Earlier, the government had announced a financial assistance of ₹5 crore for Kerala.