Operation Lehar

Relief operations in the aftermath of cyclone Hudhud are being undertaken by the Indian Navy in close coordination with the state and district administration. Airdrop of relief material was undertaken at Rambilli by Chetak helicopters as the area continues to be isolated, post the cyclone. In addition, aerial recce of the affected areas by naval helicopters was also undertaken.

Relief material transported by IAF aircraft on October 15, 2014, is being stored at INS Dega and is thereafter being shifted to feeder trucks for onward distribution in coordination with the civil administration. Suitable storage space has also been provided to the civil authorities for smooth distribution of the relief material.

Continued efforts of the Navy in close liaison with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) have resulted in clearance of the airfield for civil flights for day and night operations. A meeting was held with the AAI on October 15 to discuss modalities for resumption of civil flight operations from INS Dega. All efforts are being made by the Navy to assist AAI and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in making the Visakhapatnam terminal ready for civil flight operations by October 17. A temporary helipad has also been made operational at Naval Coastal Battery at Beach Road to facilitate smooth movement of civil officials involved in monitoring the relief operations.

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

Survey of Visakhapatnam 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 survey of breakwater to ensure that the harbour is fully operational at the earliest.