Navy, IAF deploy ships, helicopters to help in rescue ops

NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy and the IAF have deployed six helicopters and one Dornier aircraft to help in rescue operations at the Kerala temple where a fire has left 102 dead.

The IAF has deployed four choppers including Mi17 and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).

The Indian Navy is deploying one Dornier and two ALH with medical teams from the southern naval command.

It has also deputed three Naval ships -- INS Kabra, Kalpeni and INS Sukanya with medical stores to Kollam coast to give medical assistance to the injured.

They will be deployed in consultation with local administrative authorities, a Navy spokesperson said.

Surgical teams have also been put on standby at the Naval command hospital in Kochi.