Cyclone Tauktae: Navy deploys rescue teams in Kerala, IAF puts assets on standby

Navy’s INS Jalawsha reaches Singapore to embark emergency supplies

The Navy on Saturday deployed relief teams from Southern Naval Command which undertook rescue operations in Cyclone Tauktae affected area of Chellanam coast in Kerala. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has kept 16 transport aircraft and 18 helicopters on operational readiness in peninsular India in preparation for Cyclone Tauktae which is expected to cause very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall along the western coast in the next few days. “Towards providing assistance to flood hit villages of Malaghapadi, Kampanipadi and Maruvakad in Chellanam, three Naval diving teams and one Quick Reaction Team from Southern Naval Command swung into action,” the Navy said in a statement. The teams undertook rescue of personnel, provisioning of food and water and shifting of people trapped in houses to relief camp at St Mary's High School Chellanam in the harsh weather conditions, it added. The Navy has also put ships, aircraft and helicopters on standby in coordination with district administration, a Navy official said.