Ganjam, October 31: In a heroic act, a team from the Rourkela Fire Station successfully rescued 10 individuals who were trapped in a powerful canal current at Tadama, under Bhanjanagar Police Station limits in Ganjam district on Friday.

The team, which had been deployed for landslide rescue operations and was en-route to the landslide-affected area of Gidipabali in Bhanjanagar, spotted the victims stranded in the middle of the overflowing canal.

According to official sources, the individuals had previously been evacuated from their residences to a secure location due to worsening flood situation triggered by heavy rainfall following Cyclone Arnab. However, they subsequently returned to their homes to collect personal belongings and got caught in the rapidly rising canal waters.

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Upon assessing the critical nature of the situation, the fire service personnel, demonstrating swift action and courage, immediately initiated a rescue mission under the leadership of Assistant Station Officer (ASO) Pradeep Kumar Nayak.

Through prompt, coordinated, and tactical efforts, the team successfully brought all 10 trapped individuals to safety without any reported casualties, subsequently relocating them to a secure shelter.

The timely intervention by the fire service team prevented a possible tragedy amid the continuing flood situation in Ganjam district.