The Indian Navy is preparing 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.
The Ministry of Defense said in a statement that the Eastern Naval Command, in coordination with Naval Officers Commanding (NOIC) in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal, has activated a comprehensive disaster response mechanism.
The Navy works closely with units such as the Base Food Supply Station (BVY), Material Organization and INHS Kalyani Naval Hospital to provide essential supplies and medical assistance when required.
As part of the preparations, the Navy has dispatched HADR pallets containing essential clothing, drinking water, food, medicines and emergency supplies to key locations in areas likely to be affected by the cyclone. In addition, rescue and diving teams are being mobilized to assist in coordinated rescue operations if necessary.
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To assist the sea rescue operation, two ships of the Eastern Fleet are on standby with supplies and rescue and diving teams.
“The Indian Navy continues to closely monitor the situation and remains on high alert, ready to provide support to civil authorities and those affected by Cyclone Dana,” the defense ministry added.
Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard is also on “high alert” and has mobilized its ships and aircraft, deploying them strategically to quickly respond to any maritime emergency. 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 seafarers. These warnings are continuously sent to all fishing vessels, urging them to return to shore immediately and seek safe haven.