Eastern Naval Command all set for Cyclone Fani

Guwahati: The Eastern Naval Command is all set to render necessary humanitarian assistance if the need arises during the Cyclone Fani which is intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm on the southern and south-eastern coast of India.

A spokesperson of Indian Navy said that naval aircraft are standing by at Naval air station INS Rajali at Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu and INS Dega at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh to undertake reconnaissance, rescue, casualty evacuation and air drop of relief material to the stranded if required.

It has also been informed by the spokesperson that these ships are embarked with additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats and relief materials in sufficient quantities.

According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Fani intensified into severe cyclone at 5.30 pm on April 29 and the cyclone is to intensify further and move towards the Odisha coast. On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also asked the concerned authorities to take preventive measures as Fani could intensify into a severe cyclonic storm.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indian Coast Guard have also been put on high alert and the state governments of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.

The State Disaster Management Authority of Odisha has also been directed by the Odisha government to keep a close watch over the situation and has asked concerned departments to stay prepared to deal with any challenge.

It has also been directed to the authorities to keep ready cyclone and food shelters in coastal areas with all necessary emergency materials. The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare have also asked to keep stock of essential medicines and food items in all the district headquarters.

252 numbers of powerboats have been placed with different District Collectors in working condition and the fire stations have also been equipped with necessary search and rescue equipment.

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