Kochi: The Southern Naval Command (SNC) is undertaking humanitarian assistance disaster relief (HADR) under its Operation Madad to help flood-raved Kerala.

On Thursday, the Indian Air Force (IAF) had deputed three AN-32 transport aircraft to airlift personnel, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, to affected districts like Idukki, Wayanad.

In response to a request from the Wayanad district administration, the SNC deputed a team with Gemini inflatable boats. Two teams with Gemini boats commenced rescue operations at Kalpetta, Wayanad and Panmarum (13 km south of Mananthavady) where they evacuated 55 people on Friday. A release by the defence PRO said all available resources had been commandeered for the rescue efforts.

Another team had been air lifted by a Sea King Helicopter to Kalpetta with all gear and two electric generators, the release said. Three additional diving teams had been despatched to Aluva. One team was headed to Idukki, the release added.

This is in addition to the two diving teams on standby at Aluva for relief operations since 9 Aug in anticipation of flooding expected in Ernakulam and Aluva. In all, 4 diving teams are deployed in Wayanad and 5 at Aluva. A 50-man contingent was positioned at the Naval Armament Depot (NAD), Aluva, for deployment.

In addition, the Naval Hospital, INHS Sanjivani, was ready to render medical assistance. The INS Venduruthy, another Navy facility, was ready with a community kitchen, sources said. Navy was using its choppers to ferry divers, power tools, and relief material to flooded areas.

The army was already on the ground. The Pangode brigade had deployed a column to flood-hit areas and two columns were on stand-by.