May 9, 2020, 4:34 PM IST
698 Indian nationals stranded in Maldives were evacuated by the Indian Naval force through its defence ship INS Jalashwa.
Officials set up baggage disinfection stations, and medical screening process too was initiated by setting up reception desks at the jetty. The officials ensured social distancing norms during the process.
The authorities showed utmost care and priority was given to pregnant ladies and children, who embarked first. Bunk allocation was also being undertaken by the ship’s crew.
INS Jalashwa set its journey last night from Male, and is heading back to Kochi for disembarkation of Indian citizens as part of Phase 1 of operation Samudra Setu.
The ministry of defence, in a release, had earlier stated that INS Jalashwa from Eastern Naval Command will take care of Maldives evacuation process. INS Shardul has been diverted to Dubai to evacuate the expatriates.