<p>The Indian Air Force dropped over 11 tonnes of relief materials at 12 different places in Thoothukudi district on Saturday on its fifth day of continued Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the southern Tamil Nadu city, which was hit by heavy rain on December 18 and 19.</p>

<p>Southern Air Command Indian Air Force posted on 'X', "On the fifth day of continued HADR operations in south Tamil Nadu, affected by landslides and floods, IAF MI-17 V5 and ALH-Dhruv air-dropped over 11 tons of relief materials in 12 different places in Thoothkudi District. This aggregates to an airdrop of 59 tonnes of relief material."</p>

<p>Srivaikuntam dam was overflowing in Thoothukudi district due to rainfall in the catchment areas of the Thamirabarani River on Saturday.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena inspected rain and flood-affected areas in the Antoniapuram area of Thoothukudi district on Saturday.<br />
<br />
A holiday was announced for all the schools and colleges in Thoothukudi district on Thursday after heavy rains continued to pound the regions in southern Tamil Nadu, creating a flood-like situation and throwing life out of gear.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said that the state government has taken all possible precautions and measures for the welfare of the people in the wake of the situation.</p>

<p>"Heavy rainfall was received in Chennai and surrounding districts. In history, we have never seen this much rainfall in the Thoothukudi district. For rescue operations, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed," CM Stalin said.</p>

<p>He further said that as many as 12,653 people have been rescued and are staying at the 14 relief camps.</p>

<p>"I have advised district collectors and the official to immediately provide food and other needful items to those who were staying in relief camps," he added.</p>

<p>The CM further said that he has requested excess money for the southern districts of the state from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>Earlier, Indian Navy personnel distributed food and other relief materials at Srivaikundam railway station in Thoothukudi on December 19.</p>

<p>Heavy rain wreaked havoc in Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari in the past days. The state government and the Centre have jointly mobilised a massive rescue and relief operation to help the affected people.</p>


The Indian Air Force dropped over 11 tonnes of relief materials at 12 different places in Thoothukudi district on Saturday on its fifth day of continued Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the southern Tamil Nadu city, which was hit by heavy rain on December 18 and 19.

The Indian Air Force dropped over 11 tonnes of relief materials at 12 different places in Thoothukudi district on Saturday on its fifth day of continued Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the southern Tamil Nadu city, which was hit by heavy rain on December 18 and 19. Southern Air Command Indian Air Force posted on 'X', "On the fifth day of continued HADR operations in south Tamil Nadu, affected by landslides and floods, IAF MI-17 V5 and ALH-Dhruv air-dropped over 11 tons of relief materials in 12 different places in Thoothkudi District. This aggregates to an airdrop of 59 tonnes of relief material." Srivaikuntam dam was overflowing in Thoothukudi district due to rainfall in the catchment areas of the Thamirabarani River on Saturday. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena inspected rain and flood-affected areas in the Antoniapuram area of Thoothukudi district on Saturday. A holiday was announced for all the schools and colleges in Thoothukudi district on Thursday after heavy rains continued to pound the regions in southern Tamil Nadu, creating a flood-like situation and throwing life out of gear. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said that the state government has taken all possible precautions and measures for the welfare of the people in the wake of the situation. "Heavy rainfall was received in Chennai and surrounding districts. In history, we have never seen this much rainfall in the Thoothukudi district. For rescue operations, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed," CM Stalin said. He further said that as many as 12,653 people have been rescued and are staying at the 14 relief camps. "I have advised district collectors and the official to immediately provide food and other needful items to those who were staying in relief camps," he added. The CM further said that he has requested excess money for the southern districts of the state from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Earlier, Indian Navy personnel distributed food and other relief materials at Srivaikundam railway station in Thoothukudi on December 19. Heavy rain wreaked havoc in Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari in the past days. The state government and the Centre have jointly mobilised a massive rescue and relief operation to help the affected people.

Tamil Nadu: Over 11 tonnes of relief materials dropped in flood-affected areas in Thoothkudi

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<p>For the third day this week, the rescue and relief efforts continued in the flood-hit southern districts (Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi) of Tamil Nadu, in the aftermath of unprecedented rains and the resultant deluge.</p>

<p>The Indian tri-services (Army, Navy, Air Force), Indian Coast Guard and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are working across the flooded regions and carrying out rescue and relief operations by air, boat, on foot, and via heavy vehicles. The efforts by the central forces are based on the request of the Tamil Nadu Government.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianAirForce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianAirForce</a> Mi-17V5<br />
(Russian-origin chopper) is literally an airborne truck...there's three ppl standing at the rear opening and dropping bags after bags of supplies and there's more in store..<br />
<br />
Approx 4tons of cargo can be airlifted using this formidable platform... <a href="https://t.co/Z975dcgr0E">pic.twitter.com/Z975dcgr0E</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1737477945663377764?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today alone, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianAirForce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianAirForce</a> choppers 1x Mi-17V5(in pic) &amp;4xALH flew 25hrs, dropped 24tons of relief material in the flooded areas amid <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SouthTNRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SouthTNRains</a><br />
<br />
Till date, 48hrs flying time, 35tons supplies dropped..Garud commandos secured ppl during winching up, technicians kept choppers… <a href="https://t.co/jpFtTw3IGQ">pic.twitter.com/jpFtTw3IGQ</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1737473821089677476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Wednesday (Dec 20) alone, the Indian Air Force choppers (1xMi-17V5 and 4xALH) flew a combined 25 hours and dropped nearly 24 tonnes of relief material at flooded locations. To date, the IAF assets have flown more than 48 hours and delivered nearly 35 tonnes of relief material.</p>

<p>Notably, the Indian Air Force's Garud Commandos were also part of the operation and ensured that the evacuees being air-lifted were winched up safely and securely. Such long hours of operational flying are a demonstration of the Air Force's capabilities and the prowess of their technical teams who keep the assets fully ready for all requirements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Split into multiple teams, the Indian Army personnel from the Madras Regimental Centre and Maratha Light Infantry covered multiple localities in and around Thoothukudi district and provided succour to more than 1000 persons, by rescuing them, offering medical care and distributing food packets. Army personnel established crossing lines to help pedestrians in crossing the roads, in areas where roads are damaged/cutoff.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Three aircraft (1x Dornier aircraft and 2xALH helicopters) and eight disaster relief teams of the Indian Coast Guard have been operating in Thoothukudi district. The helicopters have air-dropped more than one tonne of essential supplies, while the disaster relief teams have been reaching out to stranded people via Gemini boats. The teams are supplying food and water to those living in flooded areas. Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel ICGS Sujat has stayed on patrol off Thoothukudi and its on-board helicopter has been carrying out supply drops.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Even the mighty and formidable <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Toyota?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Toyota</a> can fail/get stuck...When it does, trust the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> to recover not just the vehicle, but also rescue the 3 passengers on-board... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNaduRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNaduRains</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNaduRain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNaduRain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tamilnadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tamilnadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thoothukudi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thoothukudi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThoothukudiFloods?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThoothukudiFloods</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThoothukudiRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThoothukudiRains</a> <a href="https://t.co/xgbPLxxjiq">pic.twitter.com/xgbPLxxjiq</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1737462062295761038?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Wednesday, the Navy helicopters distributed 2.5 tonnes of relief material to more than 1000 and rescued 50 people while moving them to safer locations. The Navy's Dornier plane transported 1.2 tonnes of relief material from Madurai to Thoothukudi airport.</p>

<p>Notably, the Indian Navy was the first among the defence forces to operate aircraft from the Thoothukudi airport, thereby facilitating expedited movement of relief material to the affected. The Navy's ALH helicopter also airlifted a pregnant woman and an infant, who were stranded in the floods.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pregnant lady and her child being winched up into the cabin of an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianNavy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianNavy</a> Advanced Light Helicopter...<br />
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Navy air assets were the first to operate from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thoothukudi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#thoothukudi</a> airport, amid the floods<br />
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So far, navy dropped 2.5tons of supplies for 1000+ ppl and rescued dozens.. <a href="https://t.co/DZqhy0c1ph">pic.twitter.com/DZqhy0c1ph</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1737501650531897736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The NDRF carried out a challenging rescue operation at the Srivaikuntam Railway station, rescuing more than 600 passengers who were stuck in a train that was halted owing to waterlogging on the tracks. Carrying their rescue gear and wading through the waters, the NDRF managed to rescue the passengers, which included senior citizens, pregnant women, and infants, among others. NDRF teams also responded to emergency requests and evacuated, and hospitalised a woman with breathing difficulties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">NDRF undertakes challenging rescue op, evacuates 650+ stuck at Srivaikundam Railway station, Thoothukudi district. The station had been completely cut off owing to flooding. <a href="https://twitter.com/04NDRF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@04NDRF</a> personnel carried the equipment and walked 3kms to reach the rescue location, thereby ensuring… <a href="https://t.co/ZiyVyztIPd">pic.twitter.com/ZiyVyztIPd</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1737390930498613310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Flooded condition of the areas around Srivaikuntam, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thoothukudi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#thoothukudi</a> district <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNaduRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNaduRains</a><br />
<br />
At the Railway Stn here, a train with 650+ passengers was stuck...<a href="https://twitter.com/NDRFHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NDRFHQ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/04NDRF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@04NDRF</a> teams carried all their gear, got past all of this and successfully executed a massive rescue op… <a href="https://t.co/6xwDEUOQfc">pic.twitter.com/6xwDEUOQfc</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1737406176877514851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Aerial visuals show that various localities remain inundated, with major connecting roads washed away, leaving several areas cut off. The rescue and relief operations by the tri-services, Coast Guard, NRDF and Tamil Nadu Government authorities are to continue on Thursday as well.&nbsp;</p>


For the third day this week, the rescue and relief efforts continued in the flood-hit southern districts (Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi) of Tamil Nadu, in the aftermath of unprecedented rains and the resultant deluge.

For the third day this week, the rescue and relief efforts continued in the flood-hit southern districts (Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi) of Tamil Nadu, in the aftermath of unprecedented rains and the resultant deluge. The Indian tri-services (Army, Navy, Air Force), Indian Coast Guard and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are working across the flooded regions and carrying out rescue and relief operations by air, boat, on foot, and via heavy vehicles. The efforts by the central forces are based on the request of the Tamil Nadu Government. The #IndianAirForce Mi-17V5 (Russian-origin chopper) is literally an airborne truck...there's three ppl standing at the rear opening and dropping bags after bags of supplies and there's more in store.. Approx 4tons of cargo can be airlifted using this formidable platform... pic.twitter.com/Z975dcgr0E — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 20, 2023 × Today alone, #IndianAirForce choppers 1x Mi-17V5(in pic) &4xALH flew 25hrs, dropped 24tons of relief material in the flooded areas amid #SouthTNRains Till date, 48hrs flying time, 35tons supplies dropped..Garud commandos secured ppl during winching up, technicians kept choppers… pic.twitter.com/jpFtTw3IGQ — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 20, 2023 × On Wednesday (Dec 20) alone, the Indian Air Force choppers (1xMi-17V5 and 4xALH) flew a combined 25 hours and dropped nearly 24 tonnes of relief material at flooded locations. To date, the IAF assets have flown more than 48 hours and delivered nearly 35 tonnes of relief material. Notably, the Indian Air Force's Garud Commandos were also part of the operation and ensured that the evacuees being air-lifted were winched up safely and securely. Such long hours of operational flying are a demonstration of the Air Force's capabilities and the prowess of their technical teams who keep the assets fully ready for all requirements. Split into multiple teams, the Indian Army personnel from the Madras Regimental Centre and Maratha Light Infantry covered multiple localities in and around Thoothukudi district and provided succour to more than 1000 persons, by rescuing them, offering medical care and distributing food packets. Army personnel established crossing lines to help pedestrians in crossing the roads, in areas where roads are damaged/cutoff. Three aircraft (1x Dornier aircraft and 2xALH helicopters) and eight disaster relief teams of the Indian Coast Guard have been operating in Thoothukudi district. The helicopters have air-dropped more than one tonne of essential supplies, while the disaster relief teams have been reaching out to stranded people via Gemini boats. The teams are supplying food and water to those living in flooded areas. Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel ICGS Sujat has stayed on patrol off Thoothukudi and its on-board helicopter has been carrying out supply drops. Even the mighty and formidable #Toyota can fail/get stuck...When it does, trust the #IndianArmy to recover not just the vehicle, but also rescue the 3 passengers on-board... #TamilNaduRains #TamilNaduRain #Tamilnadu #Thoothukudi #ThoothukudiFloods #ThoothukudiRains pic.twitter.com/xgbPLxxjiq — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 20, 2023 × On Wednesday, the Navy helicopters distributed 2.5 tonnes of relief material to more than 1000 and rescued 50 people while moving them to safer locations. The Navy's Dornier plane transported 1.2 tonnes of relief material from Madurai to Thoothukudi airport. Notably, the Indian Navy was the first among the defence forces to operate aircraft from the Thoothukudi airport, thereby facilitating expedited movement of relief material to the affected. The Navy's ALH helicopter also airlifted a pregnant woman and an infant, who were stranded in the floods. Pregnant lady and her child being winched up into the cabin of an #IndianNavy Advanced Light Helicopter... Navy air assets were the first to operate from #thoothukudi airport, amid the floods So far, navy dropped 2.5tons of supplies for 1000+ ppl and rescued dozens.. pic.twitter.com/DZqhy0c1ph — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 20, 2023 × The NDRF carried out a challenging rescue operation at the Srivaikuntam Railway station, rescuing more than 600 passengers who were stuck in a train that was halted owing to waterlogging on the tracks. Carrying their rescue gear and wading through the waters, the NDRF managed to rescue the passengers, which included senior citizens, pregnant women, and infants, among others. NDRF teams also responded to emergency requests and evacuated, and hospitalised a woman with breathing difficulties. NDRF undertakes challenging rescue op, evacuates 650+ stuck at Srivaikundam Railway station, Thoothukudi district. The station had been completely cut off owing to flooding. @04NDRF personnel carried the equipment and walked 3kms to reach the rescue location, thereby ensuring… pic.twitter.com/ZiyVyztIPd — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 20, 2023 × Flooded condition of the areas around Srivaikuntam, #thoothukudi district #TamilNaduRains At the Railway Stn here, a train with 650+ passengers was stuck...@NDRFHQ @04NDRF teams carried all their gear, got past all of this and successfully executed a massive rescue op… pic.twitter.com/6xwDEUOQfc — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 20, 2023 × Aerial visuals show that various localities remain inundated, with major connecting roads washed away, leaving several areas cut off. The rescue and relief operations by the tri-services, Coast Guard, NRDF and Tamil Nadu Government authorities are to continue on Thursday as well.

South Tamil Nadu floods: Multi-pronged rescue and relief efforts by Armed Forces continue for third day

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<p>Since Monday (Dec 18), the Indian Tri-services (Army, Navy, Air Force) and Coast Guard have rescued more than 1,000 persons, including pregnant women, infants and elderly from the floods in south Tamil Nadu. Four districts in southern Tamil Nadu - Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi and Kanyakumari had received unprecedented amounts of rainfall during the weekend as well as Monday.</p>

<p>It is estimated that the worst-hit districts of Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli received their entire quantum of annual rainfall in a span of two days. It is under such circumstances that the Tamil Nadu Government sought the assistance of the Indian armed forces, Coast Guard and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tri-services(<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianAirForce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianAirForce</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianNavy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianNavy</a>)+Coast Guard rescue 1000+ amid the floods in southern districts of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a>..they've also been providing food &amp;essentials to stranded ppl <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NellaiFloods?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NellaiFloods</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nellai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nellai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thoothukudi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thoothukudi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TirunelveliRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TirunelveliRains</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tirunelvelifloods?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tirunelvelifloods</a> <a href="https://t.co/SiGbIrtt4Q">pic.twitter.com/SiGbIrtt4Q</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1737110183720161359?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) had deployed ICG Ship Sujay, with an onboard helicopter, well before the heavy rainfall began. Later, as the flood situation started affecting the districts, the ICG enhanced its presence by deploying a fixed-wing Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and two Advanced Light Helicopters of the latest Mark 3 variant, to undertake relief operations.</p>

<p>Seven ICG disaster relief teams with rescue boats and essential aid, continue to provide succour to the affected population. ICG teams have rescued more than 200 persons, at the time of writing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Operating from the Madurai Airport, an IAF Mi-17V5 chopper and four ALH choppers undertook humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations. In all, the helicopters flew 22 hours on Tuesday and air dropped more than 10 tonnes of supplies. The relief team also rescued four persons including one pregnant lady and a 17-month-old baby, who were winched into the chopper and flown to Madurai.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Indian Air Force choppers dropping food &amp;essential supplies for those cut off in severely flooded areas in the southern districts of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a><br />
<br />
This disaster appears to be a repeat of what we saw in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chennai</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/December?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#December</a> 1st week<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nellai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nellai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNaduRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNaduRains</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thoothukudi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thoothukudi</a>… <a href="https://t.co/97bgazQHXu">pic.twitter.com/97bgazQHXu</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1737104280077967565?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Indian Navy has positioned two Dornier planes at Madurai airport to transport relief material to Thoothukudi Airport. The Navy planes have transported more than 400 kg of relief material and plan to ferry more than 3.5 tonnes of material to Thoothukudi airport on Wednesday. Two flood relief teams of the Navy have been deployed in the affected regions and continue to distribute relief material and carry out evacuations.</p>

<p>In addition to this, the Navy's Advanced Light Helicopters and First Response Teams are being continuously deployed to render assistance to the affected people. Notably, the Indian Navy chopper dropped 150 kg of food and essential supplies for the train passengers (approx 800 persons) stranded at Srivaikundam railway station in the Tuticorin district.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/south-tamil-nadu-floods-army-navy-air-force-coast-guard-ndrf-pressed-into-action-671035"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;South Tamil Nadu floods: Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, NDRF pressed into action</strong></a></p>

<p>The Indian Army's Dakshin Bharat Area, under the Southern Command, has deployed teams from 23 Maratha Light Infantry and Madras Regimental Center to carry out relief measures. Operating in the flooded district of Thoothukudi, the Army personnel assisted over 150 people (including a pregnant woman and&nbsp;19 children including 3 infants) in moving to safe zones well past the sunset. Similarly, 400 persons were rescued and provided basic medical care and food.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several areas in the flooded districts remain cut off and roads have been washed away. The forces involved in the rescue are deploying suitable assets (helicopters, inflatable boats) to reach those in need and offer relief.</p>


Since Monday (Dec 18), the Indian Tri-services (Army, Navy, Air Force) and Coast Guard have rescued more than 1,000 persons, including pregnant women, infants and elderly from the floods in south Tamil Nadu.

Since Monday (Dec 18), the Indian Tri-services (Army, Navy, Air Force) and Coast Guard have rescued more than 1,000 persons, including pregnant women, infants and elderly from the floods in south Tamil Nadu. Four districts in southern Tamil Nadu - Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi and Kanyakumari had received unprecedented amounts of rainfall during the weekend as well as Monday. It is estimated that the worst-hit districts of Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli received their entire quantum of annual rainfall in a span of two days. It is under such circumstances that the Tamil Nadu Government sought the assistance of the Indian armed forces, Coast Guard and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Tri-services(#IndianArmy #IndianAirForce #IndianNavy)+Coast Guard rescue 1000+ amid the floods in southern districts of #TamilNadu..they've also been providing food &essentials to stranded ppl #NellaiFloods #Nellai #Thoothukudi #TirunelveliRains #Tirunelvelifloods pic.twitter.com/SiGbIrtt4Q — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 19, 2023 × The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) had deployed ICG Ship Sujay, with an onboard helicopter, well before the heavy rainfall began. Later, as the flood situation started affecting the districts, the ICG enhanced its presence by deploying a fixed-wing Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and two Advanced Light Helicopters of the latest Mark 3 variant, to undertake relief operations. Seven ICG disaster relief teams with rescue boats and essential aid, continue to provide succour to the affected population. ICG teams have rescued more than 200 persons, at the time of writing. Operating from the Madurai Airport, an IAF Mi-17V5 chopper and four ALH choppers undertook humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations. In all, the helicopters flew 22 hours on Tuesday and air dropped more than 10 tonnes of supplies. The relief team also rescued four persons including one pregnant lady and a 17-month-old baby, who were winched into the chopper and flown to Madurai. Indian Air Force choppers dropping food &essential supplies for those cut off in severely flooded areas in the southern districts of #TamilNadu This disaster appears to be a repeat of what we saw in #chennai in #December 1st week#Nellai #TamilNaduRains #Thoothukudi… pic.twitter.com/97bgazQHXu — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 19, 2023 × The Indian Navy has positioned two Dornier planes at Madurai airport to transport relief material to Thoothukudi Airport. The Navy planes have transported more than 400 kg of relief material and plan to ferry more than 3.5 tonnes of material to Thoothukudi airport on Wednesday. Two flood relief teams of the Navy have been deployed in the affected regions and continue to distribute relief material and carry out evacuations. In addition to this, the Navy's Advanced Light Helicopters and First Response Teams are being continuously deployed to render assistance to the affected people. Notably, the Indian Navy chopper dropped 150 kg of food and essential supplies for the train passengers (approx 800 persons) stranded at Srivaikundam railway station in the Tuticorin district. Also read | South Tamil Nadu floods: Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, NDRF pressed into action The Indian Army's Dakshin Bharat Area, under the Southern Command, has deployed teams from 23 Maratha Light Infantry and Madras Regimental Center to carry out relief measures. Operating in the flooded district of Thoothukudi, the Army personnel assisted over 150 people (including a pregnant woman and 19 children including 3 infants) in moving to safe zones well past the sunset. Similarly, 400 persons were rescued and provided basic medical care and food. Several areas in the flooded districts remain cut off and roads have been washed away. The forces involved in the rescue are deploying suitable assets (helicopters, inflatable boats) to reach those in need and offer relief.

South Tamil Nadu floods: Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard rescue 1000+, ops ongoing

<p>India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, which was battered by Cyclone Michaung, witnessed another bout of rain on Monday (Dec 18) as schools, colleges and banks were ordered shut in some parts owing to the inclement weather.</p>

<p>Several areas in some districts, including Kanyakumari, are inundated with neck-deep water.</p>

<p>The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘heavy rain alert’ for the state for the next seven days.</p>

<p>A Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) bulletin said a cyclonic circulation is now seen prevailing over the Comorin area and its neighbourhood, extending up to mid-tropospheric levels.</p>

<p>Among the districts that are said to be worst affected are Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari and Tenkasi. Chennai, on the other hand, is predicted to get light to moderate rain in some areas till Monday. However, people are postponing their travel plans to the city due to rumours of heavy rain.</p>

<p>Kayalpattinam in Thoothukudi recorded its highest-ever rainfall of 932 mm in the last 24 hours. This is reported as more than their annual rainfall received in a day.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | Wall of Korampallam pond breaks due to heavy flow of water amid incessant rainfall in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. <a href="https://t.co/DHofzlb72c">pic.twitter.com/DHofzlb72c</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1736624353322701268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>This is also the second highest rainfall after Kakkachi (manjolai) which received 965 mm rainfall in 1992.</p>

<h2><strong>CM deploys officials for relief work</strong></h2>

<p>On Sunday (Dec 17), Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, deployed State Ministers and top bureaucrats to monitor the flood situation and relief distribution in Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Tenkasi districts, which are witnessing heavy rain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An official release said Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena held a meeting with the Collectors of these districts through video conferencing and urged them to take all steps to avoid damage and loss.</p>

<p>Many lakes in these affected areas are said to have reached their full capacity, with the possibility of flood lurking around if the current spell of rain continues.</p>

<h2><strong>Many lakes running full&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>&nbsp;“40 lakes in Kovilpatti Panchayat are full. Two lakes were damaged and we repaired them. We are continuously monitoring other lakes too. If there is a breach in the lake, we are ready to fix it immediately,” said Rajesh, District Development Officer, Thoothukkudi district, according to ANI news agency.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-demonstrates-unmatched-astrashakti-after-akash-engages-four-targets-at-once-670546">India demonstrates unmatched ‘Astrashakti’ as ‘Akash’ unit neutralises four targets in one go</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, landslides were reported in the resort town of Ooty due to heavy rains lashing the Nilgiris district.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-clears-the-air-on-diplomatic-rows-in-us-canada-slams-un-security-council-as-old-club-670623">Jaishankar clears the air on diplomatic rows with US and Canada, slams UN Security Council as ‘old club’</a></p>

<p>Flash floods were reported in many places in Thoothukudi. Efforts to rectify breaches in water bodies were carried out by district administration.</p>

<p>The state government has set up relief camps in various districts to aid the people affected by the rains. There are 19 camps in Tirunelveli, four in Kanyakumari, two in Thoothukudi and one camp in Tenkasi district.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, which was battered by Cyclone Michaung, witnessed another bout of rain on Monday (Dec 18) as schools, colleges and banks were ordered shut in some parts owing to the inclement weather.

India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, which was battered by Cyclone Michaung, witnessed another bout of rain on Monday (Dec 18) as schools, colleges and banks were ordered shut in some parts owing to the inclement weather. Several areas in some districts, including Kanyakumari, are inundated with neck-deep water. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘heavy rain alert’ for the state for the next seven days. A Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) bulletin said a cyclonic circulation is now seen prevailing over the Comorin area and its neighbourhood, extending up to mid-tropospheric levels. Among the districts that are said to be worst affected are Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari and Tenkasi. Chennai, on the other hand, is predicted to get light to moderate rain in some areas till Monday. However, people are postponing their travel plans to the city due to rumours of heavy rain. Kayalpattinam in Thoothukudi recorded its highest-ever rainfall of 932 mm in the last 24 hours. This is reported as more than their annual rainfall received in a day. VIDEO | Wall of Korampallam pond breaks due to heavy flow of water amid incessant rainfall in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. pic.twitter.com/DHofzlb72c — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 18, 2023 × This is also the second highest rainfall after Kakkachi (manjolai) which received 965 mm rainfall in 1992. CM deploys officials for relief work On Sunday (Dec 17), Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, deployed State Ministers and top bureaucrats to monitor the flood situation and relief distribution in Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Tenkasi districts, which are witnessing heavy rain. An official release said Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena held a meeting with the Collectors of these districts through video conferencing and urged them to take all steps to avoid damage and loss. Many lakes in these affected areas are said to have reached their full capacity, with the possibility of flood lurking around if the current spell of rain continues. Many lakes running full “40 lakes in Kovilpatti Panchayat are full. Two lakes were damaged and we repaired them. We are continuously monitoring other lakes too. If there is a breach in the lake, we are ready to fix it immediately,” said Rajesh, District Development Officer, Thoothukkudi district, according to ANI news agency. Also read | India demonstrates unmatched ‘Astrashakti’ as ‘Akash’ unit neutralises four targets in one go Meanwhile, landslides were reported in the resort town of Ooty due to heavy rains lashing the Nilgiris district. Also read | Jaishankar clears the air on diplomatic rows with US and Canada, slams UN Security Council as ‘old club’ Flash floods were reported in many places in Thoothukudi. Efforts to rectify breaches in water bodies were carried out by district administration. The state government has set up relief camps in various districts to aid the people affected by the rains. There are 19 camps in Tirunelveli, four in Kanyakumari, two in Thoothukudi and one camp in Tenkasi district. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Rain, floods batter cyclone-hit Tamil Nadu; schools, colleges shut down in some parts

Chennai Floods | NDRF teams deployed for rescue efforts

<p>Even as DMK working president MK Stalin lashed out at the Tamil Nadu government and said that the state government had not learned its lesson from the 2015 floods in Chennai, two Tamil Nadu ministers put on a brave face and said the government was more than prepared to deal with the rains.</p>

<p>SP&nbsp;Velumani, minister of municipal administration and rural development said that the state government has done more work than several developed nations to deal with the rains.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Recently heavy rain lashed Bengaluru,&nbsp;London&nbsp;and America but I assure we&#39;ve done more work compared to these developed nations,&#39;&#39; the minister was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.</p>

<p>D Jayakumar, minister of finance and fishing, went a step further and claimed to have solved&nbsp;98&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of rain-related&nbsp;issues in the city.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&quot;We are having the capacity (to solve the problem) like foreign,&#39;&#39; the minister said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">98% of the problem has been settled. We are having the capacity (to solve the problem) like foreign: TN Min D Jayakumar on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChennaiRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChennaiRains</a> <a href="https://t.co/GpnYm6DZer">pic.twitter.com/GpnYm6DZer</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/925287026856837120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Recently heavy rain lashed Bengaluru,London&amp;America but I assure we&#39;ve done more work compared to these developed nations-SP Velumani,TN Min <a href="https://t.co/Fgdvn2JctR">pic.twitter.com/Fgdvn2JctR</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/925289006463467520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The state government had&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-chennai-rain-brings-city-to-a-halt-schools-and-colleges-shut-on-tuesday-one-dead-in-thanjavur-23174">declared a holiday for schools and colleges</a> on Tuesday as the weather office forecast heavy to very heavy rains in some areas of coastal districts, including the capital city and its neighbourhood, in the next 24 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many parts of Tamil Nadu received heavy rainfall on Monday, disrupting normal life.</p>

<p>One person was killed in Thanjavur district in a rain-related incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports attributed the rainfall to the cyclonic circulation that is currently persisting over Southwest Bay of Bengal, off the Sri Lanka coast and the adjoining Tamil Nadu coast.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


SP?Velumani, minister of municipal administration and rural development said that the state government has done more work than several developed nations to deal with the rains

Even as DMK working president MK Stalin lashed out at the Tamil Nadu government and said that the state government had not learned its lesson from the 2015 floods in Chennai, two Tamil Nadu ministers put on a brave face and said the government was more than prepared to deal with the rains. SP Velumani, minister of municipal administration and rural development said that the state government has done more work than several developed nations to deal with the rains. "Recently heavy rain lashed Bengaluru, London and America but I assure we've done more work compared to these developed nations,'' the minister was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. D Jayakumar, minister of finance and fishing, went a step further and claimed to have solved 98 per cent of rain-related issues in the city. "We are having the capacity (to solve the problem) like foreign,'' the minister said. 98% of the problem has been settled. We are having the capacity (to solve the problem) like foreign: TN Min D Jayakumar on #ChennaiRains pic.twitter.com/GpnYm6DZer — ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2017 × Recently heavy rain lashed Bengaluru,London&America but I assure we've done more work compared to these developed nations-SP Velumani,TN Min pic.twitter.com/Fgdvn2JctR — ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2017 × The state government had declared a holiday for schools and colleges on Tuesday as the weather office forecast heavy to very heavy rains in some areas of coastal districts, including the capital city and its neighbourhood, in the next 24 hours. Many parts of Tamil Nadu received heavy rainfall on Monday, disrupting normal life. One person was killed in Thanjavur district in a rain-related incident. Reports attributed the rainfall to the cyclonic circulation that is currently persisting over Southwest Bay of Bengal, off the Sri Lanka coast and the adjoining Tamil Nadu coast. (With inputs from ANI)

Tamil Nadu well prepared to tackle rains like foreign countries, say ministers