A large scale Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise was conducted on the Lakshadweep Islands (Karavati, Aggatti, Kalpeni and Androth). In the exercise, more than 20 ships from the Western and Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy were involved. Many aircraft were involved in the training operation too.
The HADR Exercise simulated a major cyclone striking the Lakshdweep Islands and disrupting essential services, causing widespread destruction of property, loss of life and dislocation of personnel, and was designed to validate the Indian Navy’s capability to provide immediate succor and relief to the affected populace.
The Exercise also involved setting up of medical camps, provision of food, shelter from the elements, restoration of basic facilities and limited restoration work till the situation stabilized.
The Indian Navy has the inherent capacity and capability to reach outlying islands and coastal areas, with relief and rehabilitation material and continuously prepares for this task.