Air Force on high alert for Amphan rescue, relief work

In the wake of cyclone Amphan that hit the coast of West Bengal and Odisha on 20 May, the Indian Air Force (IAF) as part of its quick response towards humanitarian aid and disaster relief continued to be on a high state of preparedness for undertaking relief operations in the eastern parts of the country.

On Friday, Prime minister Narendra Modi undertook an aerial survey of both the cyclone-affected states. A total of 56 heavy and medium lift assets comprising of 25 fixed-wing aircraft and 31 helicopters were earmarked by the IAF. The aircraft and helicopters have modified by the IAF with the required equipment for undertaking relief operations and are on standby with crew for a quick deployment at various IAF bases.

The Crisis Management Cell activated at Air HQ is actively coordinating with the civil administration and the NDRF teams. In addition to the humanitarian aid and disaster relief material, two C-130J Hercules aircraft of the IAF airlifted four NDRF teams — two each from Pune and Arakkonam for Kolkata on 21 May. Along with these teams, 8.6 tonnes of heavy equipment and machinery required to undertake relief operations by the NDRF was also airlifted by the IAF aircraft.