In the aftermath of the incessant rains in the state of Kerala, and the consequent rise in water levels the State Government of Kerala sought help from Navy. Consequently, Naval Rescue Teams from Southern Naval Command (SNC) have been dispatched in affected areas.
SNC has send two teams comprising of 20 divers and four Gemini boats (rubber inflatable boats) to the island of Thuruthu at Aluva in Ernakulam district to provide assistance to the marooned families there. Another team has been sent to Idukki district for providing suitable assistance at the site of the landslide there. The Navy has sent a 16 member diving team to rescue marooned villagers from an island in the Periyar river which is in spate. The Navy is also sending a 40 member team to Idukki where two landslides have occurred within a short span of time.
Similarly, Indian Army and Indian Air Force have also garnered their forces to respond to the situation and the Indian Army has sent three columns of Army personnel to the affected site.
A 40 member team of the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force ) along with 5 tonnes of relief material are being ferried by two Indian Air Force aircraft. Indian Air Force is sending two ALH helicopters later today.
[mappress] Press Release, August 6, 2013