Navy deploys 4 warships along western coast for Cyclone Maha

The Indian Navy has deployed four warships to undertake disaster relief operations with Cyclone Maha looming along the coast of Gujarat and North Maharashtra, officials said here on Tuesday.

The cyclone is expected to make landfall near Veraval in Gir Somnath district of Gujarat by the night of November 6.

"Four warships of the Western Naval Command have been loaded with HADR relief materials like food packets, water, medical supplies and other essential commodities. Naval units of the Gujarat Naval Area are also prepared with Emergency Response Teams equipped with underwater diving equipment and inflatable boats," an Indian Navy statement said.

The statement added: "In addition, naval aircraft and helicopters are also on standby to undertake any survey and air rescue operations. Naval authorities in Gujarat are in constant liaison with civil authorities to ensure seamless coordination".

Wind speeds of 35-40 knots are expected when the cyclone hits the Gujarat coast. As per the Navy's weather forecasting department, rough to very rough sea conditions are likely in the East Central Arabian Sea while heavy rain with thunder and lightning is also expected in South Gujarat and North Maharashtra areas.IANS