Tamil Nadu Rain: 3 dead, army-air force join rescue team; 100 rescued

Tamil Nadu has experienced unprecedented levels of rainfall causing severe flood-like situations in the southern districts. Relief efforts are being carried out by the Indian Air Force, the army, and other rescue units. In the meantime, light to moderate rain is expected in the state, according to the IMD. In the state, rain-related incidents have claimed the lives of three people.

Due to flooding from heavy rain and damaged train tracks, about 500 passengers have been stranded at the Srivaikuntam railway station in the Tuticorin district for the past 24 hours. In addition to airlifting sick passengers, the Indian Air Force has begun airdropping relief supplies to stranded train passengers. Thirteen buses have been provided to rescue the stranded travellers.

The Indian Air Force’s Southern Air Command has sent out its Mi-17 V5 helicopters to assist in the relief effort. Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief (HADR) operations are underway at Sulur Air Force Station. The air force is dropping food and medical packages in the districts of Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi.

Indian Army said in a statement, “Owing to incessant rains in Tamil Nadu, the Indian Army’s Relief Column was activated at Vasaipuram, Tamil Nadu, today. Till 9:30 pm, 17 women and 13 others, including children, were evacuated by the first column. The second column evacuated 12 women, including one pregnant woman, six children, including an infant and 12 others. Simultaneously, 26 women, 10 children and 28 others were evacuated by the third column.”

Defence PRO Chennai said, “Army troops assisted in the rescue of over 100 people, including 54 women, a pregnant lady and 19 children near Thoothukudi.”

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister MK Stalin requested him an appointment on December 19 to talk about rain and flood situation in state’s southern regions.

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