Seven Indian Navy Teams ex-Visakhapatnam, comprising two Diving and five Flood Relief Teams (FRT) were pre-deployed on 24th May at three separate locations namely, Digha, Fraserganj and Diamond Harbour in West Bengal, in support of relief operations in the aftermath of the impending Cyclone ‘Yaas’. All activities were undertaken in close coordination with the State Administration. All teams remained ‘action ready’ 25th May onwards during the approach phase of the cyclone and were swiftly deployed post Landfall, off Odisha-West Bengal Coast on 26th May. The Flood Relief Team positioned at Digha was deployed early on 26th May, soon after landfall, to Khadalgobra Meenakshi Village for Relief and Rescue operations.
The Frazerganj Team was initially deployed to Sibarampur Village and thereafter, to Mousini island where they were involved in the supply of three Boat loads of food and ration to the villagers. The Team was later relocated to Narayanpur Village for the rescue of marooned villagers. Owing to the onset of dark hours and low visibility on 26th May, this mission was rescheduled to commence next day. The FRT at Diamond Harbour was tasked to undertake relief measures in SSB (Kol). This Team was later relocated to Contai, Purba Medinipur to augment Rescue and Relief Efforts by the District Administration. All teams remained, on task for more than 12 hours. In addition, the State Government has been apprised of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) material that the Indian Navy has kept on standby, both at the Naval Base, Kolkata as well as the load being carried onboard four IN Ships at sea, deployed for relief assistance, if required.
