"Op Lehar" Makes A Difference To People Of Vizag

The relief operations by the Armed Forces under "Op Lehar" are now getting focused on Visakhapatnam, the district worst affected by the cyclonic storm Hudhud.

The relief material, especially food packets and readymade food, is now being airlifted by IAF aircraft and helicopters from Vijayawada (41 tonnes) and Rajamundry (17 tonnes) for Visakhapatnam.

In addition, 3 community kitchens are also being run by naval authorities at Visakhapatnam, and two each are being operated at Bhimunipatnam, Arakapalli, the Visakhapatnam Airport and Seetammadhara.

Food prepared in these kitchens is being distributed to the affected people at various food supply distribution points in the affected areas.

In far-flung areas like Rambilli, food packets have been air-dropped through helicopters.

The roads from the Naval Base and Bhimunipatnam to the Visakhapatnam city have now been cleared with the help of the Army and Naval teams. The clearance of the arterial roads from Visakhapatnam city to NH 5 is under progress.

The Naval airfield at INS Dega and the Naval port are now fully functional. The heavy lift aircrafts of IAF like C-17 Globemaster, along with C-130 Hercules and AN-32, are now bringing in the much needed food supplies directly to the Visakhapatnam / Dega airfield, along with other heavy equipment, which are required for the restoration of essential services.

So far the Indian Army has rescued 272 people, and the Indian Air Force has flown a total of 50 sorties to airlift 144.5 tonnes of relief material to Visakhapatnam and other affected areas. (INN)