Army and navy today came to the rescue of hundreds of people severely hit by heavy rains in Chennai that have left several parts of the city submerged. The naval warship INS Airavat has arrived in Chennai from Vizag with a total of 11 boats, 20 divers. It will join rescue and relief ops by tomorrow.

At about 11 pm yesterday, an army column was able to rescue about 15 trapped civilians in a bus affected by flood waters. The rescue teams have till 11 am today succeeded in rescuing and bringing over 50 marooned civilians to safety in Gudvancheri and Mudichur. A third army rescue column was put into service today morning.


Another column is being rushed in from Bangalore by road, an army statement said. Additional army resources are being mobilised for providing assistance to the flood-affected areas.

Meanwhile, the navy too has chipped in with three teams.  One team comprising 20 sailors (five divers and 15 good swimmers) with Gemini boats and associated gears were deployed last night to Gandhi Nagar near Adyar bridge. The team returned today 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 today morning at RDO Office, Tambaram upon the state government's request.


Team three from Rajali consisting of two officers, 50 sailors and 200 packets was deployed today to RDO Tambaram office for central flood relief operation thereafter.

Additional boats were being deployed to RDO Office, Tambaram for use by Rajali flood relief team. INS Chetlat on Palkbay patrol responded to a distress call to rescue a missing fishing vessel last evening and it was detected in the night with total loss of propulsion and power generation. The fishing vessel was towed to Rameswaram and arrived at the jetty today early morning.


Pic: INS Airavat with a total of 11 boats, 20 divers will join rescue and  relief ops by tomorrow.