In the wake of Cyclone Fani, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched its three C-130Js Super Hercules aircraft to Bhubaneswar, aiming at quick response towards Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR).
The aircraft will carry approx 45Tonnes of relief material including medicines for the cyclone hit locations, an Indian Air Force spokesperson said.
The aircrafts were positioned at Hindan and crew were on standby for relief mission subject to request from Ministry of Health and possibility of air operations at possible at cyclone hit areas.
The crew will also setup a contingency response group at Bhubaneswar for controlling ground operations.
The first three aircraft are being led by Gp Capt A Verma, Wg Cdr HR Bhatt and Wg Cdr R Nanda.
Earlier, the IAF’s Mi-17 helicopter was landed at Bhubaneswar for the HADR operations.
“Indian Air Force is committed to providing dedicated efforts to bring succour and relief to the affected populace and help in restoring normalcy in the region,” the spokesperson added.
The helicopter was launched from Guwahati airbase, is one of many IAF aircraft being deployed to cyclone affected areas.
Air operations began after the restoration of landing facilities at cyclone affected airfields and are going to continue with full force in the coming days.
