Indian Army deploys 17 relief columns in West Bengal ahead of cyclone Yaas landfall

The Indian Army has deployed 17 integrated relief columns in West Bengal as cyclone Yaas approaches the country's eastern coast.

Spearheading the response for rescue and relief operations in West Bengal ahead of the landfall of Cyclone Yaas on May 26, the Indian Army has deployed 17 integrated relief columns, comprising specialised personnel with necessary equipment and inflatable boats in the state. "The deployment of the Army columns is based on a requisition and is in close coordination with the government of West Bengal," the Army said in a statement. Cyclone Yaas is likely to make landfall near Dhamra Port in Odisha''s Bhadrak district early on Wednesday morning and it can have a speed of 155 kmph to 165 kmph, gusting to 185 kmph, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had said on Monday.