Chennai:
The Army, the Air Force and the Coast Guard have been called in to rescue flood-hit residents in Chennai and Kancheepuram, where a week of torrential rain has left many areas marooned. Air Force choppers are also being used to air-drop food and drinking water in worst-hit areas. 71 people have died in rain-related incidents in Tamil Nadu since November 9.
Here are the 10 latest developments in this story
There has been no rain in Chennai today but many areas in low-lying parts of the city are still water-logged. Discharge from the Chembarambakkam Lake has added to the problem.
Among the worst-hit areas in the city is Tambaram, where many streets are completely submerged and nearly 2000 residents are trapped in their homes without essentials like food and water.
22 people, including 12 infants, were airlifted by the IAF from affected areas yesterday. "Due to constant rain only six sorties were carried out," an IAF statement said. 100 litres of water and 150 food packets prepared by the IAF were also air dropped in the area.
Two Cheetahs choppers of the IAF were used in rescue operation yesterday. Two Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) and two Mi-17 V5s are also on standby.
The army is using boats to rescue stranded people in many flooded areas. National Disaster Response Force teams are also helping state officials.
People are also being evacuated from Kotturpuram in central Chennai as release of water from the Sembarambakkam reservoir is expected to cause more flooding in the area.
"We have no milk, no food left in our home. Shops are also closed. We haven't cooked for two days," a resident of Kotturpuram told NDTV.
A depression over the Bay of Bengal that led to heavy downpour in Chennai over the last three days has moved towards Andhra Pradesh. As a result, north coastal areas of the state are likely to witness moderate rain today.
Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has announced Rs 500 crore for relief and rehabilitation. Schools and colleges in Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram were ordered to remain closed till today as the Met department had earlier predicted very heavy rain. Anna University postponed exams scheduled for November 16-18.
71 people have died in rain-related incidents in Tamil Nadu since November 9, when a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal crossed near the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast, resulting in heavy rain and consequent flood in many parts of the state. Cuddalore district, 180 kms from Chennai, was the worst hit.
Post a comment