Cyclone Tauktae: Five NDRF teams from Odisha leave for Gujarat

BHUBANEWAR: Five teams from the 3rd battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Mundali unit near Bhubaneswar on Saturday left for Gujarat, the state bracing for cyclone Tauktae.
Two C-130 J aircraft of Indian Air Force (IAF) airlifted the NDRF teams comprising 126 personnel and equipment from Biju Patnaik airport Bhubaneswar to Jamnagar in Gujarat, said official sources.
The NDRF teams will be deployed at the coastal areas of the western state, which are likely to be hit by the cyclonic storm. The NDRF teams are equipped with wireless sets, satellite phones, quick deployable antenna, cutters and various other equipment and tools needed for post cyclone operation.
Deployment of NDRF teams is being monitored directly by the NDRF headquarters, said an official.
As per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the depression over east-central and adjoining South East Arabian sea has moved North-north westwards and is very much likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm. It is very likely to cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Naliya around afternoon or evening of May 18th, said official sources.