Thousands Stranded In Tamil Nadu Floods

Army joins rescue Ops…

As the floods ravaged southern districts of Tamil Nadu, the Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have come together to undertake rescue operations.

With at least 20,000 people still stuck in various regions, the situation is further compounded by the discharge of over 1.2 lakh cusecs of water from the overflowing Tamarabarani River.

"Srivaikuntam and the areas around it are the most affected.

But there is no threat to life. Today we should be able to reach these areas with supplies. Air dropping of food and relief continue," Tuticorin Collector G Lakshmipathy said.

Srivaikuntam is grappling with the aftermath of the floodwaters inundating large parts of the region.

The Army and NDRF teams are trying to reach inaccessible pockets where stranded residents await evacuation.

Air-dropping of food and relief supplies continues in a bid to provide essential aid to those cut off from ground access.

"Everything is a challenge whether it is bringing food, reaching out to people, or bringing them to safety. We have launched aerial dropping of food in areas where even boats aren't able to go.

A fire engine was washed away. Even the NDRF could not reach," Tuticorin MP MK Kanimozhi, who is reaching out to communities on the ground, told.

The situation remains dire, as pockets in Tuticorin remain inaccessible despite the collaborative efforts of the rescue teams. The challenging conditions persist even though it has not rained in Tuticorin for the past three days.

Chennai and its surrounding areas, still reeling from the devastation of Cyclone Michaung, have been pounded by torrential rain, the likes of which haven't been seen in the past 47 years.

This double whammy has caused widespread damage, forcing Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin to appeal to the Central government for immediate assistance.