Photo story: Armed forces come to the rescue of Chennai residents

Two Army Flood Relief Columns comprising of troops from the Garrison Infantry Battalion and Army's Engineer elements were activated on December 1 and have been carrying out extensive flood rescue and relief operations at Tambaram Mudichur, Manipakam, Guduvancheri and Urapakkam areas in Chennai.

With civil communication and mobile towers out of communication in critical areas of Chennai, the Army is resorting to radio communication for coordinating rescue operations to reach affected people and rescue them.

The fourth flood relief and rescue column is being rushed in from Madras Engineer Group and Centre, Bangalore by road. While flood rescue operations are in progress more Army columns are being brought in to augment rescue efforts.

(Coast Guard in action)

Army's 4th column is also deployed now. Additional columns are on standby for emergent deployment

Navy has deputed three teams for flood relief. One team comprising of 20 sailors (five divers and 15 good swimmers) with Gemini and associated gears deployed December 1 to Gandhi Nagar near Adyar bridge. Team returned December 2, after rescuing 15 stranded personnel.

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

Team three from Rajali consisiting of two officers 50 sailors and 200 packets deployed 02 Dec at 0845 hours to RDO Tambaram office for central flood relief Operation thereafter.

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 (Reg No. 10-MM-173) on 01 Dec at 1930 hours. Fishing vessel detected at 2210 hours with total loss of propulsion and power generation. Fishing vessel towed to Rameswaram and arrived jetty on 02 Dec at 0145 hours.

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

Shelter for housing 100 needy personnel has been kept ready at INS Adyar and medical teams have been kept at 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. UAVs being launched for assessment of situation in area. 

INS Airavat with 5 additional boats in addition to her 6 integral boats/LCA, 20 divers, HADR & Medical bricks loaded rushing to Chennai ( from Vizag) to augment Rescue & Relief effort of Navy.