New Delhi, May 2: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has pre-positioned its 54 rescue and relief teams along the seacoast and in flood-prone areas in the wake of severe cyclone 'Fani' for rescue and relief operations. NDRF has pre-positioned 12 teams in Andhra Pradesh, two teams in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, two teams in Jharkhand, two teams in Kerala, 28 teams in Odisha, two teams in Tamil Nadu and six teams in West Bengal, read a statement. Cyclone Fani Update: PM Narendra Modi Chairs High Level Meeting to Review Preparedness.

In addition to this, 31 teams are on alerts mode at NDRF bases - Andhra Pradesh (six teams), Jharkhand (one team), Tamil Nadu (12 teams) and West Bengal (12 teams) - to supplement the response, if needed. Additional teams are also kept on standby in other NDRF battalions and shall be mobilised as per requirement."

NDRF teams comprising of doctors, paramedics, engineers, deep divers are equipped with boats, lifebuoy, life jacket, scuba sets and latest communication equipment viz. Quick Deployable Antenna (QDA), HF/VHF Sets, Satellite Phone are on alert standby in the coastal parts of the vulnerable states.

This latest communication equipment can work even in the failure of normal communication network," the statement said. The cyclonic storm 'Fani' is expected to cross the Odisha coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali, to the south of Puri on May 3. NDRF teams are generating awareness among the locals in vulnerable areas about the measures to be taken to deal with the cyclonic storm and other eventualities which may arise due to a cyclone. Cyclone Fani Intensifies, Indian Navy On Standby for Emergency As IMD Issues Alert in Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

The state administration has set up a number of relief camps and NDRF teams are also generating awareness among the people in these relief camps. Director General, NDRF is closely monitoring the situation round the clock and is in close touch with other agencies and stakeholders.