The Indian Navy is gearing up to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, in view of the severe impact of Cyclone Dana along the coast of Odisha and West Bengal. Cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall on Thursday or Friday.
#WATCH | Bhubaneswar, Odisha | On cyclone 'Dana', Director IMD, Manorama Mohanty says, "The cyclone Dana has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm in last midnight and it is moving north-westward with the speed 12km/hr during last 6 hours and now it is lying over central and… pic.twitter.com/Cff2mVTNgh
— ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2024
Eastern Naval Command, in coordination with Naval Officers-in-Charge (NOIC) in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal, activated a comprehensive disaster response mechanism, the defence ministry said in a statement.
The Navy is working closely with units such as the Base Victualling Yard (BVY), Material Organisation, and the naval hospital INHS Kalyani to offer essential supplies and medical support if necessary.
As part of the preparations, the Navy has dispatched HADR pallets, including essential clothing, drinking water, food, medicines, and emergency relief materials, to key locations in areas that are likely to be affected by the cyclone. Besides, flood relief and diving teams are being mobilised to help in coordinated rescue and relief operations if needed.
ALSO READ: Cyclone Dana: Over 4 lakh evacuated in Odisha, Bengal; flights, trains cancelled
To aid relief efforts from the sea, two ships of the Eastern Fleet are standing by with supplies and rescue and diving teams.
“The Indian Navy continues to monitor the situation closely and remains on high alert, ready to extend its support to the civil authorities and the people affected by Cyclone Dana,” the defence ministry added.
Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard too is on "high alert" and has mobilised its vessels and aircraft, positioning them strategically to respond swiftly to any emergency situation at sea. The Coast Guard has tasked ships, aircraft, and Remote Operating Stations in West Bengal and Odisha to broadcast regular weather warnings and safety advisories to fishermen and mariners. These alerts are being transmitted continuously to all fishing vessels, urging them to return to shore immediately and seek safe shelter.
@IndiaCoastGuard Region (North East) has initiated preventive measures ahead of Cyclone 'DANA', expected to make landfall off #WestBengal and #Odisha between 24-25 Oct 24. Our ships, helicopters, and Dornier aircraft are fully prepared for assistance, rescue and relief… pic.twitter.com/1oG45NLzRl
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) October 23, 2024
