IAF Braces For Cyclone YAAS

NEW DELHI-  Today, the IAF is airlifting 21 tons of HADR equipment and 334 personnel of NDRF from Patna & Varanasi to Kolkata and from Arakkonam to Port Blair, utilising 5 C-130 aircraft.

This is in preparation for the approaching Cyclone Yaas, and the operations are ongoing since 21 May 21. Till date the IAF has airlifted 606 personnel and 57T load of NDRF for this purpose.

The cyclone is expected to make landfall on the West Bengal and adjoining Odisha coast on Wednesday, 26 May 21. The IAF has kept 1 C-17, 1 IL-76, 3 C-130s, 4 An-32s and 2 Dornier transport aircraft on readiness for HADR task.

Additionally, 11 Mi-17V5s, 2 Chetaks, 3 Cheetahs, 2 ALH Dhruvs and 7 Mi17 helicopters are also on alert for any eventuality.