Ministry of Defence  

The Armed Forces have launched operation “Sea Waves” for relief, rescue and evacuation in the wake of Tsunami disaster which has been coordinated by Integrated Defence Staff (IDS). As on date a total of 21 IN ships, 12 helicopters and 4 fixed wing aircrafts of the Indian Navy are engaged in relief operations in the Tsunami affected areas, of which  5 ships are deployed in Nicobar Group of Island, 4 in Nancowry Group, 34 LCU in Car Nicobar and 2 in Little Andaman. 5 army columns are engaged in Tamil Nadu and 5 in Kerala. 656 MT of relief materials has been supplied inter Island with flying efforts of 455 sorties. Since Jetties are usable by small ships, MoD is continuing relief supplies by Naval ships and small local boats. They are also continuing air dropping by IAF helicopters ex Car Nicobar and by Naval helicopters ex Port Blair in two inaccessible areas. Medical teams have also been deployed. 2 ships are deployed in Tamil Nadu/Pondicherry. Under operation “Rainbow” for Sri Lanka , 230 sorties have been undertaken and 181 personnel evacuated. Under Operation “Castor” for Maldives 50 sorties were undertaken and 15 peoples were evacuated from outlying Islands . 24 ships, 16 helicopters and 5 fixed wing aircrafts of the Indian Navy are engaged in relief operations, deploying 4,500 naval personnel.  Under operation “Gambhir” for Indonesia , the Navy has provided relief materials besides running a medical camp. The Navy in its efforts has also been supported by the ships, Dornier Aircrafts and personnel of the Indian Coast Guard.