In response to the looming threat of Cyclone Dana, the Indian Navy has initiated comprehensive preparations to support rescue and relief efforts along the coast of Odisha and West Bengal. With the cyclone expected to hit with wind speeds up to 120 km/h, the Navy is bracing for potential large-scale humanitarian and disaster relief operations (HADR) to assist the affected population.
Eastern Naval Command Activates Disaster Response
The Eastern Naval Command, in collaboration with the Naval Officers-in-Charge (NOIC) in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal, has activated a robust disaster response plan. The command is coordinating with key naval units, including the Base Victualling Yard (BVY), Material Organisation, and INHS Kalyani, the naval hospital, to ensure that essential supplies and medical support are ready for deployment.
HADR pallets containing emergency items such as clothing, drinking water, food, and medicines have already been dispatched by road to key areas expected to be hit hardest by the cyclone. The Navy’s disaster response teams are on high alert and ready to provide support as needed, working closely with the state administrations of Odisha and West Bengal.
Rescue and Relief Teams Ready for Deployment
Flood Relief and Diving Teams are being mobilized across critical locations, prepared to conduct search and rescue operations in flood-prone areas. The Navy’s swift response is part of a coordinated effort to minimize casualties and aid those stranded in the aftermath of the cyclone.
Additionally, two ships from the Eastern Fleet are standing by offshore, equipped with relief materials and rescue teams. These vessels are ready to provide immediate support in evacuation and relief operations from the sea, ensuring rapid assistance to the coastal regions likely to be cut off due to severe flooding or storm surges.
Close Monitoring and High Alert
As Cyclone Dana approaches, the Indian Navy continues to monitor the situation closely. The Eastern Naval Command remains on high alert, ready to deploy additional resources and personnel if requested by civil authorities. This proactive approach, combined with close coordination with state governments, ensures that the Navy is well-prepared to respond swiftly once the cyclone makes landfall.
With Cyclone Dana expected to severely impact coastal areas in Odisha and West Bengal, the Indian Navy’s preparedness reflects its commitment to providing critical humanitarian aid during natural disasters. The Navy’s efforts will help mitigate the impact on vulnerable communities, ensuring timely assistance in the cyclone’s aftermath.
As the storm approaches, the Navy stands ready to extend its support to the civil administration and the affected people, reinforcing the importance of rapid response and disaster preparedness in protecting lives and livelihoods.