Armed Forces under ‘Op Lehar’

The relief operations by the Armed Forces under ‘Op Lehar’ is now getting focussed on Visakhapatnam, the worst affected district by cyclone storm ‘Hudhud’. The relief material especially food packets and readymade food is now being airlifted by IAF aircraft and helicopter from Vijayawada (41 tonnes) and Rajamundry (17 tonnes) for Visakhapatnam. In addition, 3 community kitchens are also being run by naval authorities at Visakhapatnam and two each at Bhimunipatnam, Arakapalli, Visakhapatnam Airport and Seetamdhra. Food prepared in these kitchens are being distributed to the affected people at various food supply distribution points in the affected area. In the far flung areas like Rambilli, food packets have been air dropped through helicopters.



The roads from Naval Base and Bhimunipatnam to Visakhapatnam city have now been cleared with the help of the Army and Naval teams. The clearance of the arterial roads from Visakhapatnam city to NH-5 is under progress. The Naval airfield at INS Dega and the Naval port are now fully functional. The heavy lift aircraft of IAF like C-17 Globemaster, alongwith C-130 Hercules and AN-32 are now bringing in the much needed food supplies directly to Visakhapatnam/Dega airfield, along with other heavy equipment, which are required for restoration of essential services.



So far the Indian Army has rescued a total of 272 people and the Indian Air Force has flown a total of 50 sorties to airlift 144.5 tonnes of relief material to Visakhapatnam and other affected areas.