HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE RENDERED TO CIVIL AUTHORITIES

OP DENIM :18 MAY – 06 JUN 03

 

 

Introduction of Op Denim.

 

.2.     On 18 May 2003, Govt of  Sri Lankan sought relief and rehabilitation assistance from Govt of India.  Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff tasked Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations ) to organize relief operations code named’’ OP DENIM’.

 

3.        The Sri Lankan Govt solicited following assisrance from the Indian Govt :-

 

(a)     A medical column of 100 personnel inclusive of twenty (20) doctors.

(b)     Medical supplies for treatment of diseases like Dengue, Malaria and Typhoid.

(c)     A minimum of 15 Gensets of 5 KWA each for power generation at medical camps.

(d)     100 tents for establishing the medical camps.

(e)     Communication sets for the teams.

 

4..     Under the overall coordination of Deputy Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations Logistics), the assistance  rendered by the Indian Armed Forces is given in succeeding paragraphs :-  

 

Induction of Tri Service Components

 

5..     Indian Navy.      INS SHARDA  sailed the same night and arrived at Galle on 20 May 03 with 35 personnel, 08 Gemini’s, medicines, other relief equipments and stores. 

 

6.      Medical/General Assistance Rendered by Naval Teams.    In a swift and surgical operation, the Naval Team assisted the local authorities in carrying out food and water distribution, casualty evacuation and medical help.  In addition, assistance was also given to restore power and tele communications.  

 

7.       Indian Air Force.                

 

(a)     Two aircrafts reached Colombo on 20 May 03 with 224 personnel, Medicines, tentage, generator sets and ambulance vehicles.

          (b)     2500 Blankets were airlifted by an aircraft on 20 and 21 May 03.

 

8       Indian Army.      The Indian Army conducted the operation as follows :-

 

(a)     Team One.         Base Camp was established at Kaluwitta(Ratnapura) on 21 May 03.  Med aid post were established at  Pottupitya, Dombulwala and Palawala.  Approx 8500 persons were treated till 05 Jun 03.

 

(b)     Team Two.        Base Camp was established at Boosa (Galle) on 20 May 03. Med aid Post were established at Neluwa, Hiniduma, Udugama, Baddegama district of Galle and Deniyaya, Kotopla, Urubokka Katuwana districts of Matara.   Approx 9000 persons were treated till 05 Jun 03.

 

 

9.      Humanitarian Assistance Rendered.

 

           (a   )   The Naval and the Army Medical Teams rendered medical assistance to   approximately 18,500 personnel.

  

(b)         Distribution of food packets to the marooned.

(c)           Distribution of 2500 blankets

(d)         Restoration of basic amenities.