In the recent past our country has witnessed floods and landslides. These natural disasters that strike without warning have claimed many lives. Launching rescue operations and sustaining relief systems had been a daunting challenge. Often the first responders were the Armed forces and the local Police.
Having understood the need of the hour, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne has initiated a practical response by setting up a full time Disaster Response Unit (DRU), at SLNS Gemunu. Having analyzed the situation the Commander had instructed his senior officers as to how this new unit must operate effectively in real time.
Thus, the Navy can take pride in having a fully trained unit which can draw up to 1,000 men from various bases, including Officers and sailors with special skills in any given future disaster.
Research
Captain Priyanka Dissanayake, a veteran electrical and marine engineer is the man entrusted with leading this team, with insight from the DNO (Director Naval Operations). Captain Dissanayake is the Deputy Director Research and Development at Navy Head Quarters.
‘We are happy that we have a dedicated unit to respond to natural disasters, using our equipment, manpower and skills’, he said.
The Research and Development Wing has excelled in the past, in two areas. One is the local manufacture of reverse osmosis plants (220 made to date) and given to areas that needed clean drinking water.
The other is the special equipment made to treat thalessemia patients, giving the machines free of charge. R & D now has another splendid achievement that contributes directly to flood rescue - a locally made air boat.
This boat was built at Welisara, by the Navy and the design was done by Capt. Dassanayake. The boat has a two man crew and can take four civilians. It has a capacity of carrying 400 kilos of rations/medical supplies. The local boat costs Rs. 1.7 million, in contrast to purchasing the same boat form overseas for Rs. 12.5 million.
I proceeded with Lt. Swarnawansa to SLNS Gemunu to meet the officers and sailors of the DRU. The new unit is housed in a massive warehouse. Lt.Cdr. Srikantha took me around the complex.
I was able to observe rubber boats, water pumps, tents, protective clothing, mobile toilets and massive water storage tanks. All these can be deployed in an emergency. The highlight at this venue was the mobile kitchen. Food is a vital aspect of survival.
Realizing this Navy Commander Vice Admiral Wijegunaratne had instructed the Research and Development wing to establish perhaps the first military mobile kitchens (that serve the public) with modern equipment such as large steamers, deep fryers and cauldrons. Lt. Cdr Srikantha explained, “Each kitchen can be driven to the desired location.
Dry ration store
Once the crew begins cooking they can prepare food for 300 persons in one round. We are able to make rice and curry or any other ration as per the need”.
This is indeed a commendable achievement as a hot meal can motivate an afflicted human who is wet and hungry.
The four mobile kitchens are replenished with their own dry ration store which is also mobilized. They have three mobile reverse osmosis plants that supply them with five tons of drinking water.
In addition to this the DRU has access to 38 APC (armored personal carriers) that have amphibious capability in transporting stranded civilians. The men are supported by advanced GPS/GIS systems when traversing via rugged and risk laden terrain.
All crew of the Disaster Response Unit are trained in first aid, fire fighting and NBCD. The DRU teams also have divers and medical officers. The Navy plans to establish two more DRU stations at Trincomalee and Poonewa.
Support
Boats are a key element in water borne rescue. The IPCCP (Inshore Patrol Craft Construction Project) at Welisara also earnestly pitched in to support their comrades. I met Cdr. Dinuk Bogahawatte and Lt.Cdr. Rusirupala. The boat building teams are busy at work, completing this first fiber glass boat that is specialized for rescue operations.
The orange and white craft assembled in seven days, can carry 10 civilians and three crew members. The Navy hopes to manufacture 100 of these boats. The IPCCP is an ISO 2015 certified operation.
Thus, the Sri Lanka Navy has set the pace for future rescue operations with the ultimate intention of serving the people of this country.
