Indian Navy personnel stationed at Nagapattinam swiftly deployed to assess the extent of damage as soon as the weather started clearing post-Cyclone Gaja. The naval team joined the State Authorities, NDRF and civil populace to clear public buildings and roads.
The relief measures were undertaken through the day on 16 Nov and will continue on 17 Nov. Two naval ships Chetlat and Cheriyam arrived at Karaikal this morning carrying relief food material as requested by civil administration to augment State efforts in providing relief to cyclone-affected families. Meanwhile, IN ships Cora Divh and Carnicobar are preparing to depart from Chennai for relief efforts. The Dornier aircraft ex INS Rajali in Arakonam is undertaking an aerial recce to assess the damage.
Earlier, IN ships and aircraft were deployed to warn the fishermen to return to harbour and take shelter two days before the cyclone made a landfall.