20,000 Still Stranded In Tamil Nadu Floods, Army Joins Rescue Ops

Chennai and its surrounding areas, still reeling from the devastation of Cyclone Michaung, have been pounded by torrential rain, the likes of which haven't been seen in the past 47 years.

In the wake of unprecedented floods ravaging southern districts of Tamil Nadu, the Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have joined hands to undertake rescue operations. With at least 20,000 people still marooned in various regions, the situation is further compounded by the discharge of over 1.2 lakh cusecs of water from the overflowing Tamarabarani River.

"Srivaikuntam and the areas around it are the worst affected. But there is no danger to anyone's life. Today we should be able to reach these areas with supplies. Air dropping of food and relief continue," Tuticorin Collector G Lakshmipathy told NDTV.

Srivaikuntam is grappling with the aftermath of the floodwaters inundating large parts of the region. The Army and NDRF teams are trying to reach inaccessible pockets where stranded residents await evacuation. Air-dropping of food and relief supplies continues in a bid to provide essential aid to those cut off from ground access.