NAVY DEPLOYS SHIPS FOR CYCLONE VARDAH RELIEF EFFORTS

Two Indian Naval Ships Shivalik and Kadmatt have sailed out from Visakhapatnam early morning and proceeding to Chennai to augment relief efforts at Chennai as part of Operation Madad. These ships have embarked additional medical teams, divers, inflatable rubber boats, integral helicopter and relief material which include food, tentage, clothes, medicines, blankets. Additional ships have been kept standby to supplement efforts for undertaking Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, should the situation demand. Vice Admiral HCS Bisht, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief ENC reviewed the preparedness of the Eastern Naval Command for undertaking relief operation at Chennai. The severe cyclone lay 80 km East of Chennai and is likely to make landfall this afternoon.

In addition to ten diving teams embarked on IN Ships Shivalik and Kadmatt, Flag Officer Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area (FOTNA) has readied up six diving teams for immediate deployment in consultation with the State Administration. 22 diving teams have been kept standby at Visakhapatnam for immediate deployment, should the situation warrant. Shelter places have been identified and Medical teams are also kept standby for providing humanitarian assistance. One Survey ship has been kept standby to undertake harbour survey in case of requirement. Naval aircraft are also standing-by at the Naval Air Stations Rajali and Dega to be pressed into action to augment HADR operations.