Amidst relentless rains and widespread flooding triggered by Cyclone Fengal, Puducherry and parts of Tamil Nadu have been grappling with unprecedented challenges. The Indian Army stepped in heroically on Sunday, launching a series of rescue operations that saved hundreds of lives, offering a glimmer of hope to those stranded in submerged areas.
Heroic Rescue Efforts Amidst Torrential Downpours
In response to the deluge that inundated several districts of Puducherry, the Indian Army mobilized a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) column from the Chennai Garrison Battalion under the Dakshin Bharat Area. The operation was initiated at the request of the Puducherry District Collector around 1 am on Sunday.
Led by Major Ajay Sangwan, the rescue team comprising one officer, six junior commissioned officers, and 62 other ranks covered a grueling 160 km overnight journey, reaching Puducherry by 5:30 am. Their mission? To rescue and provide relief to flood-stricken residents across affected localities like Krishna Nagar, Kuber Nagar, and Jiva Nagar.
In Krishna Nagar and Kuber Nagar, where water levels soared to five feet, the army’s swift response ensured the evacuation of over 200 individuals. By early Sunday afternoon, operations continued in Jiva Nagar, with 30 soldiers deployed to assist stranded families.
Record-Breaking Rains: A City Underwater
Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy reported that the Union Territory received a staggering 50 cm of rainfall overnight, the highest 24-hour total in nearly three decades. The incessant rains left neighborhoods submerged, crops destroyed, and infrastructure crippled.
“This unprecedented rainfall has caused severe flooding across Puducherry. Our rescue teams are working tirelessly to evacuate those stranded,” CM Rangasamy stated during an on-ground inspection of flood-affected areas.
Cyclone Fengal dumped 48.4 cm of rainfall in just 24 hours, breaking records and testing the resilience of residents and rescue teams alike.
Tamil Nadu Faces the Wrath of Fengal
Neighboring Tamil Nadu also bore the brunt of Cyclone Fengal’s fury. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin conducted inspections across the state, visiting the emergency operations center and affected areas in the Kolathur constituency.
The state government reported that nearly 27,000 residents have been provided with food packets prepared by Amma canteens, a vital lifeline for those displaced. Subways and roads were inundated, with 21 of the 23 waterlogged subways in Chennai cleared by Sunday evening.
Stalin appealed to the Union government for immediate assistance, urging them to dispatch a central team to assess the situation and the significant crop damage caused by the cyclone. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran accompanied the Chief Minister during his inspections.
Cyclone Fengal: A Stationary Menace
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Fengal has remained stationary for over six hours, approximately 120 km south-southwest of Chennai. The storm’s lack of movement has exacerbated the crisis, with heavy rainfall continuing to pound the region.
A Beacon of Hope Amid Chaos
While Cyclone Fengal has wreaked havoc across Puducherry and Tamil Nadu, the relentless efforts of rescue teams, particularly the Indian Army, highlight the indomitable spirit of those who rush to aid in times of crisis. As the region braces for the coming days, the courage and dedication displayed by these heroes offer a beacon of hope in an otherwise dire situation.