New Delhi: The Office of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed the Central Government's commitment to aid Tamil Nadu amidst continuous heavy rains causing chaos in the Southern districts of the state.
As per the Defence Minister's Office, Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters are actively engaged in rescue and relief operations in flood-affected regions of Tamil Nadu. The Central Government stands alongside Tamil Nadu, providing all necessary support during this crisis.
The Defence PRO in Chennai confirmed that the relief efforts are underway through collaboration with the State administration. "The relief operation is ongoing, with food packets and other essential supplies loaded onto India Coast Guard ALH at Madurai airport on December 20, 2023, at the break of dawn," stated the Defence PRO.
IAF helicopters, based in Madurai and Tuticorin, resumed operations early morning, delivering over 5.5 tonnes of vital supplies to stranded citizens in the flood-affected areas.
Relentless downpours have severely impacted Tirunelveli district in southern Tamil Nadu, leading to floods and disrupting normal life. Visuals depict buildings submerged due to the overflow of the Tamraparni River, breaching the danger mark after continuous showers on December 18 and 19.
Previously, the Indian Navy had provided aid by distributing food and relief materials at Srivaikundam railway station in Thoothukudi on Tuesday.
The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) was swiftly deployed to distribute food and essential supplies to 500 stranded individuals at the railway station. Southern Railway Chief PRO B Guganesan mentioned, "Initially, 500 passengers were stranded at the Srivaikuntam Railway Station. This morning, a team from railways reached the station with relief materials. Three Indian Air Force helicopters dropped food and relief supplies for all passengers. NDRF arrived in the morning to start the evacuation process."
Furthermore, B Guganesan highlighted that Railways organized 13 buses stationed about 3 kilometers away from the station to facilitate the rescue.
The Southern Railways reported, "A special train from Vanchi Maniyachi to Chennai Egmore has been deployed to rescue stranded passengers from Srivaikuntam with medical and catering teams onboard."
The Defence PRO Chennai reported, "Indian Army Column 'Madras Regimental Centre' under HQ Dakshin Bharat Area was deployed for Flood Relief Operations on December 18 and 19 in Tuticorin District, Tamil Nadu. 550 food packets were delivered to stranded individuals at Karungulam village."
The heavy rainfall severely affected Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari districts on December 18.
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