Chennai (Tamil Nadu), December 1: Indian Army troops from the Chennai Garrison Battalion, under the Dakshin Bharat Area, were deployed early Sunday to assist in rescue operations in flood-affected Puducherry. The action followed a requisition by the Puducherry District Collector at around 1 AM.
A Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) column, led by Major Ajay Sangwan, included one officer, six junior commissioned officers, and 62 other ranks. The team departed Chennai at 2 AM, traveling 160 kilometers overnight and arriving in Puducherry by 5:30 AM.
Upon arrival, the team was briefed on the dire situation in the Krishna Nagar area, where water levels had risen to nearly five feet, leaving residents in over 500 homes stranded. Rescue operations commenced at 6:15 AM, with the Indian Army evacuating over 100 individuals within the first two hours.
Cyclone Fengal: Current Status
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone Fengal remained stationary for six hours as of 5:30 AM, positioned 30 kilometers north of Cuddalore and 120 kilometers south-southwest of Chennai.
The cyclone is expected to move westward slowly and weaken into a deep depression over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the next six hours. A red alert has been issued for north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh.
The IMD stated:
“The Cyclonic Storm Fengal over north coastal Tamil Nadu & Puducherry remained stationary during the past 6 hours and is likely to weaken gradually into a deep depression. The system is being continuously monitored.”
Impact and Precautionary Measures
- High Tides in Chennai: Cyclone Fengal’s landfall caused rough sea conditions and high tides along Chennai’s beaches.
- Rainfall Warning: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) forecasted “isolated heavy to very heavy” rainfall in Chennai on Sunday.
- Relief Camps: Residents in vulnerable areas have been relocated to relief camps near Kalpakkam in Chengalpattu district.
- Advisory: Authorities have urged residents in affected regions to stay indoors and follow all safety instructions.
The Indian Army’s swift and effective response underscores its critical role in disaster relief operations, providing timely assistance during Cyclone Fengal’s aftermath.