Heavy rain has paralyzed several parts of India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu, flooding roads and affecting train services as authorities scrambled to rescue those stranded.
The flooding came as the state was still recovering from the damage caused by Cyclone Michaung, which hit the coast earlier this month and killed at least 13 people.
Tamil Nadu received nearly 50 mm of rain between Sunday and Monday, compared to the 2.5 mm that would be normal for this time of year, the meteorological department said, with more rain forecast on Tuesday.
On the third day of this week, rescue and relief efforts continued in the flood-hit southern districts of Tamil Nadu (Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi) due to unprecedented rains and subsequent flooding.
India’s tri-services (Army, Navy, Air Force), Indian Coast Guard and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are working in the flooded areas and conducting rescue and relief operations by air, ship, foot and heavy vehicles. . The central force’s efforts are based on a request from the Tamil Nadu government.
Notably, the Garud Commandos of the Indian Air Force were also part of the operation and ensured that the evacuees were pulled up safely and securely. Such long hours of operational flying are a demonstration of the capabilities of the Air Force and the prowess of their technical teams to keep assets fully prepared for all requirements.
Indian Army personnel from Madras Regiment and Maratha Light Infantry, divided into several teams, covered several locations in and around Thoothukudi district and provided assistance to more than 1,000 persons by rescuing them, offering medical care and distributing food packets. Army personnel have set up crossing lines to help pedestrians cross roads in areas where roads are damaged/cut off.
Three aircraft (1x Dornier and 2x ALH) and eight rescue teams of the Indian Coast Guard are operating in Thoothukudi district. Helicopters airdropped more than one ton of essential supplies, while disaster relief teams reached stranded people via Gemini boats. The teams deliver food and water to people living in flooded areas. Indian Coast Guard coastal patrol vessel ICGS Sujat remained on patrol off Thoothukudi and its helicopter on board was conducting supply drops.
On Wednesday, Navy helicopters distributed 2.5 tons of relief supplies to more than 1,000 people and rescued 50 people by moving them to safer places. A Navy Dornier aircraft airlifted 1.2 tonnes of relief material from Madurai to Thoothukudi Airport.
Notably, the Indian Navy was the first of the defense forces to operate aircraft from Thoothukudi Airport, facilitating rapid movement of relief material to the affected. A Navy ALH helicopter also airlifted a pregnant woman and infant stranded in the floods.
The NDRF carried out a major rescue operation at the Srivaikuntam railway station and rescued more than 600 passengers who were stuck in the train which was stopped due to waterlogging on the tracks. Carrying its rescue equipment and wading through the waters, the NDRF managed to rescue the passengers, who included senior citizens, pregnant women and infants, among others. NDRF teams also responded to emergency requests and evacuated and hospitalized a woman with respiratory problems.
Aerial images show that various localities remain flooded, major connecting roads are washed away and several areas remain cut off. Rescue and relief operations by the three services, Coast Guard, NRDF and Tamil Nadu government authorities will continue on Thursday.
