Chennai (Tamil Nadu): Amid relentless heavy rain causing widespread damage in Tamil Nadu, the Indian Navy undertook rescue operations in the southern part of the state.

Ravi Kumar Dhingra, the Commanding Officer of the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Areas, said that several stranded persons were rescued from the south Tamil Nadu part during the rescue.

"On Monday morning, the moment we were told about pressing our people into action, both our units in south Tamil Nadu, INS Kattabomman and INS Parundu, sent their teams out. INS Parundu has a helicopter squadron. They were immediately taking their helicopter and based on the information that was coming to us with regard to rescuing people who were stranded on treetops or on the roof, they were immediately taken in," Dhingra said.

INS Parundu's helicopter squadron played a vital role in these operations, rescuing around 17 individuals, including three pregnant women.

"In the meantime, INS Kattabomman had their small team of about 35 people who were wading through water and going to the nearest locations that were getting flooded because of the heavy rains," he added.

The Indian Navy personnel also distributed food and relief materials at Srivaikundam railway station in Thoothukudi.

The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) was pressed into service to distribute food and other relief materials to 500 people stranded at the railway station.

Meanwhile, IAF helicopters resumed operations at first light to provide essential relief material to stranded citizens in the flood-affected areas of Tamil Nadu.

The helicopters are operating from Madurai and Tuticorin and have delivered over 5.5 tonnes of these supplies in the morning today.

Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Kanyakumari are the districts that are still reeling under the havoc wreaked by the heavy rains.

Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Public Works Minister EV Velu said that, so far eight people have died in the district in the rain-related incidents.

The state government and the Centre have jointly mobilised a massive rescue and relief operation to help the affected people.

The office of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, earlier today assured that the Central Government was providing all possible assistance to Tamil Nadu in the wake of incessant rains.

"The IAF helicopters are carrying out rescue and relief operations in the flood-affected areas of Tamil Nadu. The Central Government is providing all possible assistance to Tamil Nadu," the Defence Minister's office said in a statement.

A state government release stated that the relief operation has also been undertaken by the state administration.

"Relief operation continuing. Loading of food packets and other relief material provided by State administration on India Coast Guard ALH at first light at Madurai airport on December 20, 2023," the release stated.

The India Meteorological Department earlier in the day issued a light rainfall warning to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal for the next six days.
"Light to moderate rain is likely to occur at one or two places over Tamilnadu, Puducherry & Karaikal area from December 21 to 26, 2023," the release said.