Bhubaneswar, Oct. 26 -- The Odisha Fire Services Department has stepped up preparations ahead of a possible cyclone likely to make landfall on October 28. As heavy rainfall is expected in a few districts, including Ganjam, all departments have been put on alert. Leave for staff has also been cancelled.

The Bhanjanagar fire services unit has formed two teams and kept its equipment ready to respond to emergencies. Personnel said all staff members were on duty, including those who had been on leave.

Fire officer Chakradhar Kanhar said the 'team is prepared to deal with emergencies such as flooding, fallen trees and landslides'.

"If people get swept away in rivers or streams due to flooding, we have boats to carry out rescue operations. If...