Chennai floods: Army, Navy launch rescue operations on war footing

NEW DELHI: A massive relief operation by the Indian Army and Navy is underway in Chennai, which has been hit by severe torrential rains since last night. The downpour has triggered a deluge in the city, its suburbs and Puducherry, disrupting normal life. PM Modi has assured full support to the state as defence personnel step up rescue ops on war footing. Following are the details of the rescue efforts as listed by Indian Navy's press release:

A) Three flood relief teams deputed as follows:-

One team comprising 20 sailors (five divers and 15 good swimmers) with Gemini and associated gears deployed on December 1 to Gandhi Nagar near Adyar bridge. Team returned on December 2, hours after rescuing 15 stranded personnel.

(ii) Team two consisting of one officer 16 sailors (four divers and 12 good swimmers) two Geminis and 250 food packets deputed 2 December to RDO Office, Tambaram upon State Governments request. Team directed to report to Secretary Tourism designated as Monitoring Officer.

(iii) Team three from Rajali consisiting of two officers 50 sailors and 200 packets deployed 2 December to RDO Tambaram office for central flood relief Operation thereafter.

(iv) Additional boats being deployed to RDO office Tambaram for use by Rajali flood relief team.



Rajali Parundu and ships put on standby for Helo/RPA sorties and deployment of boats/portable De-flooding pumps.

INS Chetlat on Palkbay patrol responded to distress call to rescue missing fishing vessel on 1 Dec . Fishing vessel detected at 2210 hours with total loss of propulsion and power generation. Fishing vessel towed to Rameswaram and arrived jetty on 2 December at 0145 hours.

NCC Puducherry put on standby for providing boats for flood relief. Preliminary reports from Puducherry NCC indicate no flood situation being monitored.

Shelter for housing 100 needy personnel kept ready at INS Adyar.

Medical team kept standby for deputing at short notice.

Navy Helpline 044-25394240 promulgated and manned 24x7.

INS Airavat ex Vishakhapatnam being rushed to Chennai with Relief material.

(J) UAVs being launched for assessment of situation in area .