Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag oversees relief and rescue efforts in Chennai

NEW DELHI: Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag today flew to Chennai to review the situation and oversee rescue efforts of the Army in the rain-ravaged city.

During his visit, Suhag, along with GOC, Dakshin Bharat Area, carried out aerial recce of the areas worst affected by rains and floods in order to strategise additional measures required to bolster rescue and relief efforts.

The Army chief, who flew in from Sri Lanka where he was on an official visit, also complimented the formations and troops involved in the rescue efforts which have resulted in more than 5500 affected people reaching safety, a statement by the Army said.

At present, more than 50 teams, including rescue and relief teams, engineereers and medical teams, are operating in Tambaram, Urapakkam, Mannivakkam, Mudichur, Defence Colony, T Nagar, Kothurpuram, Kasi Theatre and Perungudi which are the most affected areas.

Army has also built infrastructure to deploy Primary Health Centers along with dispensaries to deal with anticipated flood-related medical problems.

He assured that the troops will continue the rescue efforts till it is required by the civil administration.

He also said more troops, engineer equipment and medical teams will be made available as required.