Annual disaster management drill conducted

An annual joint disaster management drill was today conducted at Jamnagar air base here to ensure co-ordination between state functionaries and Indian Air Force in case of natural calamities in Gujarat.
"The exercise (joint drill), conducted at Jamnagar air base of South Western Air command (SWAC) was aimed at ensuring co-ordination between state functionaries and the Air Force in case of natural calamities in the region," Defence Spokesperson Colonel S D Goswami said.
Representatives from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), districts and state authorities along with all other associated departments participated in the exercise.
The defence spokesperson said the drill was undertaken as a pro-active measure to prepare participants for disaster management.

Air Force representatives elaborated about types of helicopters used during natural calamities or other disaster management operations.
They also elaborated about load capacity of helicopters along with the nature of co-ordination and co-operation expected from civil authorities for timely action during natural calamities.

The standard operating procedure for requisitioning air support during disasters was also discussed and reviewed during the programme.
A static display of air force assets and a dummy winching operation by Mi-17 V5 and Chetak helicopters were also displayed to participants.
The joint drill was attended by Air Officer Commanding of Jamnagar Air Force Station Air Commodore P R Navalkar, SWAC headquarters representatives and the NDRF.