AMN /
Army, Navy and NDRF teams have stepped up relief and rescue operations as rains wreak havoc in Tamil Nadu. in worst-hit localities of Chennai which is also witnessing power shortage rescue operation is going on in full pace. The non-stop torrential rains pounding the city since last night showed some let up in the morning but the inundated streets left commuters stranded. Air and road traffic have been severely hit in Chennai. Chennai Airport authorities have shut operations till 6 AM tomorrow in view of the water logging. All airlines, including Air India, have cancelled their operations from Chennai airport.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh said in view of the situation, the Centre has deployed Army, Navy and NDRF teams in sufficient numbers. He said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued directions to deployed Central team there to assess the situation and make a report so that every possible help can reach there.
Two Indian Army’s Flood Rescue and Relief Columns have begun flood rescue and relief operations in Chennai. An official release said the troops from the Garrison Infantry Battalion and Army’s Engineer elements were activated last evening on being requisitioned by the Tamil Nadu government for flood relief operations in Tambaram, Mudichur, Manipakam, Guduvancheri and Urapakkam areas of the city.
The Army column rescued about 15 trapped civilians in a bus affected by flood waters yesterday. The rescue teams have succeeded in rescuing and bringing over 50 marooned civilians to safety in Gudvancheri and Mudichur. The third Army Rescue Column has also begun relief work from this morning and the fourth column is being rushed in from Bangalore by road
Navy personnel have been deployed in Saidapet area of Chennai to rescue people marooned in low-lying areas. The NDRF is airlifting another 15 teams to the rain-battered state.
NDRF DG O P Singh said, while 10 teams are being airlifted from Bhubaneshwar to Tirupati, another five teams are being lifted from Delhi. Each team comprises 40 personnel. The teams are also carrying 20 inflatable boats along with them for the rescue operations. He said, NDRF DIG and commanding officer have been stationed in Chennai to take stock of the operations. Mr Singh said that he is also in constant touch with the Relief Commissioner of Tamil Nadu.