Cyclone Hudhud: Indian Navy to lead 'OP Lehar' for rescue and relief operations

The Defence Crisis Management Group has nominated the Indian Navy as the lead service for conduct of rescue and relief operations in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, and the operation has been code-named 'OP Lehar'.

The Eastern Naval Command has indicated its readiness in all respects for providing assistance for relief operations. The Indian naval ships Ranjit, Shivalik, Shakti and Airavat are ready to sail with relief material for 5000 personnel. Additionally, four more ships have been kept ready for sailing at short notice for relief operations.

Approximately, 24 diving teams have been deployed in and around Vizag for relief operations. One P8I ex-Rajali and one Dornier ex-Dega have been launched to undertake damage assessment.

In addition to the above preparation, the officers and men of the naval base at Vishakhapatnam are working to get base back to its operational status at the earliest.

Damage in the naval dockyard was minimised by the proactive and preventive measures undertaken by all concerned. The airfield at INS Dega was flooded and damaged has been reported to almost all buildings.

The very severe cyclonic storm has weakened into a cyclonic storm post crossing coast and is now over Chhattisgrah and adjoining South Odisha.

Presently, negligible rain and calm winds are being experienced at Visakhapatnam. However, occasional rainfall activity with associated winds gusting up to 30-40 kmph may be experienced in and around Visakhapatnam till midnight.