Following the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung, which severely impacted Chennai and neighboring districts, the southern districts of Tirunelveli and Tuticorin faced the brunt of heavy rainfall triggered by cyclonic circulation. The situation escalated as extremely heavy rainfall wreaked havoc, leading to widespread flooding and several casualties. The Commune received inputs from the Defence PRO and are being reproduced here.
Rescue Efforts By The Army
In response to the crisis, the Indian Army swiftly mobilised rescue operations in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin. The 21 Maratha Light Infantry from Belgaum and an Infantry Brigade from Trivandrum, a part of the 54th division, were deployed to aid in rescuing stranded individuals. Notably, the forces conducted evacuation operations in Vasaipuram, where a human chain was formed on flooded roads to evacuate those marooned.
The evacuation efforts at Vasaipuram were conducted in three lots on a challenging timeline. In the first lot, a total of 33 people including 17 women, 13 men, and 3 children were successfully evacuated. Subsequently, the second evacuation within half an hour enabled the rescue of 36 people including 11 women and a pregnant woman, 18 men, and 6 children of which one was an infant. The third evacuation, conducted an hour or so later, involved the evacuation of 64 people including 26 women, 28 men, and 10 children of which two were infants.
On 19 December 2023, the Indian Army successfully completed a rescue mission at Nanalkadu village located in Srivaikuntam taluka of Thoothukkudi district, evacuating a total of 111 people which includes 57 women, 39 men, and 15 children. The rescued individuals are now being moved to the village of Padmanabhamangalam en route to Sri Vaikuntham. Civil authorities also requested assistance for the village of Shrivaikundam, where approximately 250 people are stranded.
In response to the floods in Tamil Nadu, the Indian Air Force has deployed Medium Lift Helicopters (MLH) and Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruv for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts. These helicopters are operating from Madurai in coordination with civil authorities to conduct rescue operations and supply drops. This morning, an IAF Mi-17 V5 helicopter successfully rescued four stranded individuals, including a pregnant woman and an infant aged a year and a half.
Rescue By Indian Coast Guard
Amidst the challenging situation, the Indian Coast Guard emerged as a pivotal force in aiding flood-affected areas in Southern Tamil Nadu, specifically in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts. The Tamil Nadu State administration sought their assistance to rescue stranded citizens and provide essential relief materials such as food and medicine.
The Indian Coast Guard swiftly responded by deploying six Disaster Relief Teams (DRTs) for rescue and relief operations, closely coordinating with district administrations.
An Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) with an integral helicopter onboard was dispatched to monitor coastal areas and respond to emergencies. Additional assets, including a fixed-wing Dornier aircraft and an ALH helicopter, were strategically positioned at Madurai to support ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
To further enhance their capabilities, a Rescue Diver team equipped with paddle boats, and kayaks, and a Disaster Relief Team from Coast Guard Station Mandapam were deployed to Tuticorin, contributing crucial assistance to the overall rescue operations.
Amidst the evolving situation, rescue efforts of the armed forces have been at the forefront of the relief operation with units from different parts of the country coming together in a remarkable display of service to assist citizens affected by the unprecedented rains in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu.
Despite the diverse origins of these officers, their collective efforts, alongside the Indian Coast Guard, aim to alleviate the impact of the crisis and provide timely assistance. Unfortunately, the leftist-Dravidianist media has overlooked their commendable rescue efforts. It is crucial to highlight that in the eyes of the armed forces, linguistic differences, including knowledge or lack thereof in Hindi, play no role. Every individual, regardless of language or background, is viewed as an equal, emphasising the commitment to rescue anyone in need.
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