Army, Air force and Navy personnel positioned in Odisha

With Cyclone Phailin set to hit near Gopalpur in Odisha this evening, army, navy air force and NDRF personnel were ready to move out in the state.

GOC Madhya Bharat, Lt Gen Ramesh Rana, who was coordinating rescue and relief operations said "While some columns are already moving, other columns from the Eastern and Central Commands are on standby."

An army engineering column, comprising signal and medical teams were positioned at Gopalpur.

Gen Rana said the army would synergise efforts of the NDRF, ODRAF, Army and work in cooperation with them.

The army would also be meeting some of the medical requirements and supply of relief materials besides helping the local administration in evacuating people.

IAF's latest strategic transport aircraft, the C-17 Globe Master, flew in with 60 troops, relief materials, special army vehicles and ambulances from Allahabad.

The IAF started flying in NDRF personnel and heavy relief equipment by IL-76s and AN-32 from various bases across the country.

The air force kept two C-130J Super Hercules for rescue and relief efforts, said Group Captain Basant B Pande.

Mi-17 V5 helicopters were also standing by in Barrackpore near Kolkata in West Bengal for rescue and relief operations, Captain Pande said.

A Navy rescue team and a group of doctors were also on hand.

NDRF, DIG, S S Guleria said that 29 teams equipped with High Frequency communication were deployed at vulnerable areas in coastal districts.

The teams which had nine satellite phones for communications were helping the civil administration in evacuating people.