Indian Navy's ships and aircraft standing by for rescue and relief operations as Cyclone Yaas intensifies

 Navy diving teams are fully prepared to carry out HADR tasks

The low-pressure area in the North Andaman Seas is likely to intensify as Cyclonic Storm, "Yaas" during the next 24 hours over the Bay of Bengal.

Moving in a north westerly direction, Cyclone Yaas is likely to cross the coast between North Odisha and West Bengal around 26 May.

The Indian Navy is closely monitoring the movement of the cyclonic storm. Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command, and Naval Officers-in-Charge at West Bengal and Odisha Area have carried out preparatory activities to minimise the damage from Cyclone Yaas. 

The navy stated on Sunday that is in constant liaison with the State Administrations for rendering assistance as required.
 

As part of the navy's preparation, eight flood relief teams and four diving teams have been prepositioned at Odisha and West Bengal to augment the existing resources. 

Four naval ships are on standby with Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) bricks. Diving, and medical teams are ready to render assistance in the most affected areas along the Odisha and West Bengal coast. 

Naval aircraft are on standby alert at two major naval air stations:  INS Dega at Visakhapatnam and INS Rajali near Chennai. On requirement, they will undertake aerial surveys of the most affected areas, casualty evacuation, and airdrop of relief materials.