'Op Lehar' makes a big impact in Hudhud-torn Vizag

The relief material especially food packets and readymade food is now being airlifted by IAF aircraft and helicopter from Vijayawada (41 tonnes) and Rajamundry (17 tonnes) for Visakhapatnam.  Indian Navy has set up 11 community kitchens at various places in Visakhapatnam. 3 community kitchens are being run by naval authorities at Visakhapatnam and two each at Bhimunipatnam, Arakapalli, Visakhapatnam Airport and Seetamdhra. Food prepared in these kitchens are being distributed to the affected people at various food supply distribution points in the affected area. In the far flung areas like Rambilli, food packets have been air dropped through helicopters. The kitchens are being run ‘round the clock’ and are to undertake food distribution for another five days. Additional food distribution points have also been established in consultation with District Administration.

The roads from Naval Base and Bhimunipatnam to 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 aircraft of IAF like C-17 Globemaster, alongwith C-130 Hercules and AN-32 are now bringing in the much needed food supplies directly to Visakhapatnam/Dega airfield, along with other heavy equipment, which are required for restoration of essential services. Two forklifts being send to Anakapalli for necessary assistance to local administration. Naval teams positioned at Collectors office along with Quick Reaction Group (QRG) vehicle to facilitate better and effective coordination of relief operations in the affected areas. So far the Indian Army has rescued a total of 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. About 79 tonnes of relief material has been flown in by various IAF aircraft viz. three AN 32s, one C 130J, two C-17 and four Mi 17 helicopters.

Based on an overall appreciation of the situation on ground, an action plan has been formulated by the Indian Navy in coordination with the state administration and other agencies for providing expeditious relief and succour to the affected population. 300 personnel from 54 Infantry division with vehicles deployed at three locations.