As Cyclone Fengal wreaks havoc across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the Indian Army initiated extensive rescue operations on Sunday in response to the severe flooding that has affected multiple districts. This natural disaster has notably impacted the Union Territory of Puducherry, where the Army successfully rescued over 100 individuals from the inundated regions.
The targeted rescue operations focused on several critically affected areas, including Krishna Nagar, Kuber Nagar, and Jiva Nagar. In just the Krishna Nagar and Kuber Nagar areas alone, rescue teams managed to save more than 200 lives. Continuing efforts in Jiva Nagar involved the deployment of 30 soldiers, who are working to assist those still stranded in the floodwaters. Chief Minister of Puducherry, N Rangasamy, revealed that the city experienced an unprecedented 50 centimeters of rain overnight, leading to crippling flooding conditions.
In an official statement, CM Rangasamy commented on the intensity of the situation, stating, “I am currently inspecting the flood-affected areas. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to evacuate those stranded in the floodwaters.” The deluge brought about by Cyclone Fengal resulted in 48.4 centimeters of rainfall within a 24-hour period, marking the most substantial rainfall recorded in Puducherry over the last 30 years.
The Indian Army’s response was swift. Troops from the Chennai Garrison Battalion commenced operations after being requisitioned by the Puducherry District Collector at approximately 1 am. A Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) team, consisting of one officer, six junior commissioned officers, and 62 personnel, mobilized at 2 am and reached the affected areas around 5:30 am. Upon arrival, they quickly assessed the dire circumstances in Krishna Nagar, where water levels surged to nearly five feet, trapping residents of around 500 homes.
Initiating rescue efforts at 6:15 am, Major Ajay Sangwan led the team as they worked to evacuate those in distress. Within a mere two hours, over 100 people were brought to safety, showcasing the army’s effective response to the unfolding emergency.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inspected the state emergency operation center and urged the central government to send a team to assess the damage and the situation on the ground due to Cyclone Fengal. Accompanied by other officials, he visited various sites within the Kolathur assembly constituency, highlighting the state administration’s focus on managing relief efforts.
Stalin reported that around 27,000 residents have received food packets prepared by the state’s Amma canteens since the onset of the cyclone. Furthermore, substantial progress has been made in clearing local subways in Chennai, with 21 out of 23 subways reportedly drained of water.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that Cyclone Fengal has remained stationary near Puducherry, approximately 30 kilometers north of Cuddalore and 40 kilometers east of Villupuram. The cyclone’s stationary status as of early Sunday morning has warranted ongoing monitoring as officials assess the storm’s potential impact on the region moving forward.
