In response to the persistent heavy rainfall in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, the Indian Navy has deployed both ground and aerial rescue teams to collaborate with local authorities in conducting flood relief operations across four districts.
As of Tuesday morning, a total of 12,553 individuals have been evacuated from low-lying areas in these four districts, finding refuge in 143 shelter houses. Unfortunately, the inclement weather has resulted in confirmed casualties, with three individuals losing their lives in rain-related incidents, and an additional three feared dead due to the relentless downpour.
India Today TV conducted a ground assessment in Thoothukudi, where heavy rain triggered flooding, compelling numerous patients to discharge themselves from Thoothukudi Medical College. Distressed patients reported a lack of essential amenities such as water, food, and basic facilities. The footage captured parents wading through inundated streets, cradling newborns in their arms.
To address the urgent need for aid in flood-affected regions, an Indian Air Force (IAF) chopper was mobilized to drop food packets in the Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts of Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin disclosed that eight ministers and ten IAS officers have been dispatched to the flood-affected regions to lead rescue and relief efforts. In a proactive move, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi convened a meeting at Raj Bhavan in Chennai on Tuesday, bringing together senior officials from Central Agencies and Armed Forces to assess the situation in the inundated southern districts. The objective is to mobilize the maximum possible resources for efficient rescue and relief operations.
Additionally, due to the suspension of rail traffic between Srivaikuntam and Seydunganallur, Train no: 20606 Tiruchendur – Chennai Egmore Chendur Express, which departed from Tiruchendur on December 17, was terminated at Srivaikuntam station at 9:19 pm. This resulted in 500 railway passengers being stranded at Srivaikuntam railway station.
