Chennai: After Cyclone Michaung, Chennai and nearby areas are experiencing unprecedented flooding due to continuous rainfall, setting a record not seen in 47 years.
Southern districts of Tamil Nadu are dealing with severe floods, prompting joint efforts from the Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for rescue operations. Over 20,000 people are stranded in various locations. The situation is worsened by the release of over 1.2 lakh cusecs of water from the swollen Tamarabarani River.
Here are the top updates from Tamil Nadu:
- About 1,000 passengers were stuck at Srivakuntam railway station for two days due to heavy rainfall disrupting train services. Southern Railways announced a special train with medical and catering teams to rescue them.
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army are actively involved in rescue operations. Despite challenging weather, IAF helicopters have flown over 20 hours, airdropped relief material, and evacuated stranded individuals, including women and children.
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release ₹2,000 crore from the National Disaster Relief Fund for livelihood support and infrastructure repair in flood-affected districts. The relief aims to assist affected people and undertake temporary rehabilitation work.
- Due to heavy rains and floods, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi cancelled the ‘Celebration of Advent Christmas’ scheduled for December 21. The decision was made considering the serious situation in the southern districts.
- Stalin criticized the IMD for not issuing timely warnings about the intense rainfall that impacted four southern districts between Saturday and Monday.