Taking lessons from earlier incidents of loss of lives and damage to property due to flooding during monsoon, the Western Naval Command (WNC) has deployed nine teams of sailors in five key locations across the city.

“Teams comprise eight to 10 sailors and will be headed by either an officer of a Lieutenant Commander rank or a senior sailor,” said Capt M Nambiar, spokesperson, Ministry of Defence. The areas where these teams are based are: Mankhurd, Ghatkopar, Malad, Worli, and Naval Dockyard in Colaba.

The Navy has also earmarked one helicopter for search and rescue operations at its INS Shikra naval helibase in case such a situation arises.

Presently under high alert due to a Met department warning against high tidal waves, the Navy has also stepped up efforts on its part to participate in rescue operations, if needed.

Compared to the five inflatable boats it had deployed during the 2005 floods in Kalina and Kurla, the force is better prepared this time, says the spokeperson. “Every team has a rubber inflatable Gemini boat that is buoyant even in shallow waters and are equipped with outboard motor boards (OBM) in case there is heavy rainfall. There are life jackets and lifebuoys along with the boats and also diving instruments in some areas,” said Capt Nambiar.

The teams have been strategically based in areas from where they can dig into more resources if need arises. “In all five locations, we have back-up support from our establishments based there,” Capt Nambiar said. While Ghatkopar has the Navy’s stores division, Mankhurd has its bureau of sailors. Similarly, Malad and Worli have INS Hamla and INS Trata respectively.