Indian Navy's flood rescue and relief operations in southern Tamil Nadu Indian Navy, in a collaborative effort with local authorities, executed swift and comprehensive Flood Rescue and relief Operations in Tamil Nadu since 18 Dec 2023, utilising Dornier Aircraft, ALH and Chetak Helicopters and naval teams. ALH Helicopters conducted extensive air operations, focusing on Vellkovil and Naranammalpuram areas, heavily impacted by floods. These operations resulted in successful rescue of 17 individuals, including three pregnant women, from perilous conditions in Tirunelveli. Airlifting these individuals to safety, IndianNavy dropped them at ArmedReserve ground in Playamkottai, where immediate first aid and necessary facilities were provided by local administration. Simultaneously, a specialized team comprising 26 Naval personnel, including two officers and two specialist divers from INS Kattabomman, undertook rescue operations in Tuticorin. Overcoming multiple water bodies, the team ventured on foot, utilizing lifebuoys and ropes to reach distressed areas. Their efforts resulted in rescuing over 100 individuals, escorting them to safer zones on 18 Dec 2023. To reinforce these operations, two Gemini boats and four ClearanceDivers from HQTN and P area were dispatched via Dornier for continued rescue missions. Moreover, Indian Navy facilitated transfer of approximately 400 kgs of rescue materials from Chennai to Tuticorin and 3500kgs from Rameshwaram to Madurai through its Dornier aircraft and naval teams. Indian Navy’s rescue and relief operations in liaison with state government officials are ongoing at flood affected areas through nearby units INS Kattabomman and INS Parundu under aegis of HQTN and P.
