Navy Continues Relief Operations In Andhra Pradesh

The Navy is continuing to undertake relief operations in the aftermath of Cyclone Hudhud, in close coordination with the State and district administrations.

Community kitchens have been set up at various locations, and distribution of food is being undertaken in coordination with the local MLAs / representatives.

However, based on inputs from the MLAs, some community kitchens have been discontinued, and the kitchens that are currently being run by the Navy are being heavily used, according to a release.

Additional air drop of relief material was undertaken at Rambilli by Chetak helicopters as the area continues to be isolated post the cyclone. In addition, aerial recces of the affected areas by Naval helicopters have also been undertaken.

Relief material transported by IAF aircraft on October 15 is being stored at INS Dega, and is being shifted to feeder trucks for onward distribution in coordination with the civil administration.

Suitable storage space has also have been provided to the civil authorities for smooth distribution of the relief material.

Continued efforts of the Navy in close liaison with the AAI have resulted in the clearance of the airfield for civil flights for day and night operations. A meeting was held with the airport authorities on 15th October to discuss the modalities for the resumption of civil flight operations from INS Dega, and all efforts are being made by the Navy to assist the AAI and the NDRF in making the Vishakhapatnam terminal ready for civil flight operations by 17th October.

A temporary helipad has also been made operational at the Naval Coastal Battery at Beach Road to facilitate smooth movement for the civil officials involved in monitoring the relief operations.

Naval communication personnel are also assisting the telecom authorities and the civil administration in the restoration of communication lines, and connectivity is being progressively restored in the affected areas.

A survey of the Vishakhapatnam harbour till the Outer Turning Basin has been completed with wire sweeps, side scan sonar and check sounding, and the harbour has been declared safe for operations. It is intended to undertake sounding checks at civil berths and carry out a survey of breakwater to ensure that the harbour is fully operational at the earliest.

Aerial sorties for survey and relief operations, as requested by civil authorities, will continue to be undertaken. The community kitchens being run by the Navy for the distribution of food will also continue to operate. And clearance of trees and power lines in the residential areas will continue to be undertaken to restore normalcy.

Also, Naval sailors will continue to supplement the efforts of, and assist, authorities in the restoration of communications, and water and power supply in the affected areas. (INN)