Armed forces have further stepped up their rescue and relief operations in cyclone-ravaged areas of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh and Odisha after making initial assessment of the ground situation, informed an official release.
It informed that eight composite teams of Army each has deployed in Vishakhapatnam and Srikakulam. The IAF has pressed into service C-17, C130J, AN-32, Il-76, Mi-17 and Chetak aircrafts and helicopters towards rescue and relief efforts.A total of 120 tonnes of supplies have been airlifted to Visakhapatnam from Vijayawada and Rajamundry. A total of 36 sorties have been conducted so far towards relief operations. Army teams have so far cleared roads between Achutapuram and Vizag and Koraput and Vizag.
Besides, coastal reconnaissance has also been undertaken by the Indian Coast Guard. Priority is also being accorded to assistance and in restoration of essential supplies.Four medical teams have been deployed in the cyclone-hit regions. While a Naval Hospital has been kept on standby at Visakhapatnam, an Army Hospital at been kept ready at Gopalpur in Odisha.
The Defence Crisis Management Group (DCMG), under the aegis of HQ Integrated Defence Staff, which met on Tuesday, has decided to step up relief operation in both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. For this, the Armed forces have set up a Joint Operations Room in New Delhi to organise relief efforts, called ‘Op lEHAR’, and ensure coordination in relief ops in the two States.