Tirunelveli district in southern Tamil Nadu is grappling with severe flooding, disrupting daily life and submerging buildings as the Tamraparni River breaches its danger mark due to continuous downpours over the last 48 hours.
At Srivaikuntam railway station in Thoothukudi district, where 500 passengers are stranded, the Indian Navy provided essential relief materials on Wednesday. Indian Air Force helicopters dropped food and relief items for the stranded passengers. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has initiated evacuation procedures, identifying safe routes for those in distress.
Southern Railway Chief PRO B Guganesan informed that railway authorities have arranged 13 buses located about 3 kilometers from the station. Additionally, a special train service, equipped with medical and catering teams, is set to transport stranded passengers from Srivaikuntam to Chennai Egmore.
In Tuticorin district, the Indian Army’s Madras Regimental Centre launched flood relief operations, delivering 550 food packets to affected individuals in Karungulam village. The calamity also impacted Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari, prompting the Indian Army to conduct rescue operations in the Vasavappapuram area of Thoothukudi.
Collaborative efforts between the state and central governments are ensuring a comprehensive rescue and relief operation. Recognizing the unprecedented rainfall, the Indian Air Force swiftly deployed the MI-17 V5 helicopter for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations from Air Force Station Sulur, as shared on their social media platform.