Southern Naval Command is on high alert in Kerala to deal with any emergency situation arising from the incessant rains in the state.
The Naval Command is on alert following a request for help and assistance by the Kerala Disaster Management Authority as the heavy rains for the past three days have led to landslides and flooding of houses in many parts of the state.
In response to the request, the Naval Command launched ‘Operation Madad’ on Sunday. “It has been executed by the SNC with effect from Sunday, particularly since Kerala is expected to encounter wet weather for the next few days," said Navy, reports Times of India.
“A Relief Operation Centre has been set up (ROC) at Joint Operations Centre (JOC) at Naval Base Kochi. Flood relief materials like boats and diving teams have been kept on standby to meet any emergent requirement at short notice, said the Navy,” the reports says.
The Navy has also readied their ships and aircraft to act on short notice in order to render any assistance to the local people and fishermen in case of an emergency.
The Navy on Monday received a communication from the Coastal police at Munakkakadavu regarding a fishing boat which was stuck 35 nautical miles off the Kochi shore near Thrissur.
Ingress of water had caused flooding and the boat had suffered engine failure. There were ten people on board at that time. The Navy then dispatched an advanced light helicopter for search and rescue operation. It had also sent a Naval Ship to provide necessary assistance to the fishing boat and its crew.
On Sunday, the state recorded 100 mm of rainfall, which is the highest rainfall received in the month of September in the past five years, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.
From June 1 to September 18, the actual rainfall received in Kerala is 1746.8 mm, as opposed to 1925.3 mm of normal rainfall.