NDRF Director General O P Singh said the force will NDRF Director General O P Singh said the force will intensify its operations in the affected areas from today as more of its men are being deployed on the ground.
Advertisement
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that Chennai has become an island as it has been cut off from all national and state highways”, he said, responding to a discussion on the flood situation in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh.
Assocham also launched a drive to mobilise funds from its four lakh plus member organisations across India to contribute generously to provide rescue, relief and rehabilitation to victims of the incessant rains and floods in Tamil Nadu.
In a 24-hour burst – the strongest in more than a century – 345 mm (14 inches) fell on parts of Chennai.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas of Chennai on Thursday and announced Rs 1000 crore immediate relief for the victims.
People were fleeing the city in thousands even as the military swung into action to rescue people stranded in floods.
Jayalalithaa had earlier submitted a memorandum requesting around Rs.8,481 crore towards flood relief and an immediate release of Rs.2,000 crore.
Thousands of stranded residents were rescued from various locations in the state, especially Chennai, by the Indian Air Force, NDRF and Navy using boats and helicopters.
The city’s roughly three million residents have borne the brunt of the flooding, with most affected areas being deprived of basic amenities, including food and water.
As the waters receded in some areas, people came out on the streets in large numbers to stock up on supplies, withdraw money from ATMs and fill up the tanks of their vehicles, leading to traffic jams.
The inclement weather also made the airport authorities to stop the arrival and departure of the flight since Tuesday due to flooded run-way. Sources in BSNL said it would take at least 10 days for restoring the telecommunication network in Chennai and suburbs. The Government of Tamil Nadu has announced closure of airports till December 6, 2015. “We must take concrete and urgent action against climate disruption”, said French foreign minister Laurent Fabius.
The Southern Railways on Thursday cancelled a total of 20 trains out of Chennai Central Station and Chennai Egmore Station and seven trains from other stations.
The Indian Air Force has pressed into service three aircraft to evacuate hundreds of passengers stranded at the Chennai airport where operations were suspended due to heavy rains and water logging on the runway.
Advertisement
As regards north coastal districts in Tamil Nadu and some places will experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, he said. “Rescuing people, providing accommodation at relief centres, offering food, drinking water and medical assistance are priority now”, Jayalalithaa said in a statement.
