Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has confirmed that Central government will deploy more helicopters for the marathon rescue mission in the flood-hit state of Kerala. Seetharaman confirmed that she has directed Vice Chief of Air Staff to release more helicopters at Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan's request.
"Spoke to Hon. @CMOKerala a few minutes ago. Enquired if the required materials are sufficiently being provided and if rescue coordination is happening. The Hon. @CMOKerala requested for more helicopters. Have instructed Vice Chief of Air Staff to provide the required assistance," defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted on Friday morning.
Indian Air Force under 'Operation Karuna' has already deployed 18 aircraft, including 12 helicopters, to airlift people stranded in flooded areas. All three defence forces and teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are helping with the rescue operations. Food packets and drinking water has been sent to flood-hit areas from Friday early morning.
Chief Minister of Kerala confirmed availability of 23 additional helicopters from Friday. About 450 boats are currently being used while more boats from Tamil Nadu will join the mission soon.
Centre has already sent 40 more teams of NDRF, 200 life buoys and 200 life jackets. A report in the Deccan Chronicle confirms that 52 teams of Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Navy, including 54 additional helicopters from Air Force are being sent from Sulur airbase.
In addition, two ships of Coast Guard have been sent to Kochi while two more ships are on the way. Five ships are on standby at Puducherry.
