Jamnagar, 27 May, 2014

An Annual Joint Disaster Management Drill was conducted at Air Force Station Jamnagar on 27 May 14, under the aegis of Head Quarters South Western Air command for the entire Gujarat region.

The exercise was aimed towards ensuring co-ordination between the State functionaries and the Indian Air Force in case of natural calamities in the region. Representatives from National Disaster Response Force, all Talukas, Districts, State Government and all the other directly/indirectly associated departments actively participated in the exercise. The exercise was undertaken as a pro-active measure to prepare the participants for disaster management.

State disaster rehabilitation authorities commenced the programme by highlighting areas in the State which are prone to natural calamities and the steps taken by them to cope with such situations. Participants also discussed about the types of disasters that occur throughout India. The Air force representatives elaborated about the type of helicopters which are used for such operation, their load capacity and the nature of co-ordination and co-operation which is expected from civil authorities for timely action during natural calamities. Standard Operating Procedure for requisitioning of air support during disaster was discussed and reviewed. A static display of air assets and dummy winching operation by Mi-17 V5 and Chetak helicopters was also shown to the participants. Air Ambulance was also included as part of Static display.

The programme was attended by Air Commodore PR Navalkar Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Jamnagar, representative form Head Quarters South Western Air Command, National Disaster Response Force Ahemdabad and State administration.