South Tamil Nadu floods: Indian Navy, Air Force take relief measures

Chennai: In response to the flood situation in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, the Indian Navy, Air Force took relief measures based on the request of the government. Indian Naval Station Parundhu in Ramanathapuram operated an ALH helicopter for two hours to drop 150 kg of flood relief material for stranded passengers at Srivaikundam Railway Station in Tuticorin district on 19 December.

Two Dornier aircraft of the Indian Navy have been deployed at Madurai Airport to airlift relief material to Tuticorin Airport. The first consignment of relief material (410 kg) was landed at Tuticorin airport this morning. The second consignment of relief material (about 3.5 tonnes) will be taken to Tuticorin on December 20. Due to adverse weather, air flights could not be operated to land the second consignment of supplies in Tuticorin.

Two flood relief teams (one each from INS Kattabomman and Chennai) consisting of 10 personnel have been deployed in the flood affected area. The teams have so far rescued more than 150 people and distributed relief material to around 250 families.

Apart from this, a Dornier aircraft, ALH helicopter and First Response Team are being continuously deployed by the Indian Navy to provide assistance to the affected people.

Indian Air Force Station Sulur flew two advanced light helicopters to carry 1.6 tonnes (approximately) of relief material and dropped it in the flood affected area.

During the operation, the relief team also rescued four people, including a pregnant woman and a 1.5-year-old child. All four were caught and brought to Madurai.

More than 1000 people were rescued by defense forces, including 165 Indian Coast Guard personnel.