3 dead, 500 train passengers stranded as heavy rains hit Tamil Nadu

Chennai: The Indian Air Force, the army, and other rescue teams are carrying out relief operations after heavy rains have battered the southern parts of Tamil Nadu.

At least three people have been killed in incidents stemming from heavy rains over the last several hours.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted more light to moderate rain in the state

Following inundation and damage to tracks, around 500 passengers have been stranded at the Srivaikuntam railway station in the Tuticorin district over the last 24 hours.

The Indian Air Force began air-dropping relief materials to them and the IAF choppers will airlift those in need of medical help.

The layer of ballast beneath the railway tracks have been washed away from rain and erosion, exposing bare iron tracks with just cement slabs to support them.

The railway authorities will arrange special train to ferry stranded passengers to Chennai.

As the rains began falling into floods, the Southern Air Command of the Indian Air Force swung into action deploying its Mi-17 V5 helicopters in the relief mission.

Food and medical packages are being air-dropped in the Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts of the air force.

The Indian Army rescued around 118 people from the Vasavappapuram area in Thoothukudi.

‘Owing to incessant rains in Tamil Nadu, the Indian Army's Relief Column was activated at Vasaipuram, Tamil Nadu, today. Till 9:30 pm, 17 women and 13 others, including children, were evacuated by the first column. The second column evacuated 12 women, including one pregnant woman, six children, including an infant and 12 others. Simultaneously, 26 women, 10 children and 28 others were evacuated by the third column,’ the Indian Army stated.

Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an appointment to discuss rain and the flood situation.