Cyclone Fengal: Army Intensifies Evacuation Efforts for Stranded Residents

Chennai, Dec 2 (NationPress) The Indian Army's rescue and relief operations remain in full swing even after nightfall in Puducherry and Chennai due to the devastation wreaked by Cyclone Fengal.

The Southern Command of the Indian Army confirmed that following a meticulous evaluation of the dire circumstances and detailed discussions with the District Collector of Puducherry, an additional rescue team from the Madras Engineers Group has been dispatched from Bengaluru to Chennai to tackle the escalating water levels in low-lying regions.

In addition, four more columns are on standby in Wellington and Thiruvananthapuram for prompt deployment.

The army reported that over 1,000 stranded individuals have been successfully rescued and relocated, demonstrating the army’s steadfast dedication to safeguarding lives during this crisis.

Following a request from the Puducherry District Collector, troops from the Chennai Garrison Battalion under the Dakshin Bharat Area were deployed in the early hours of December 1 for relief and evacuation efforts in response to the massive destruction caused by Cyclone Fengal.

A Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) team, consisting of one officer, six JCOs, and 62 personnel, mobilised at 2:00 AM and travelled 160 km overnight to reach Puducherry by 5:30 AM, as stated.

The team, led by Major Ajay Sangwan, was assigned the task of rescuing civilians stranded in around 500 houses in the Krishnanagar area, where water levels had surged to nearly five feet in certain spots.

In response to the severe flooding resulting from water released from the Veedur Dam on the Sankaraparani River, another Indian Army relief column was requested by the District Collector to be deployed at NR Nagar, Puducherry.

This column, comprising 60 personnel, is fully equipped with boats, rafts, medical supplies, and food provisions to ensure swift assistance and the safety of residents in the inundated low-lying areas.

The Army stated: “Indian Army relief teams have successfully rescued 600 individuals from Krishnanagar, Kuber Nagar, and Jiva Nagar in Puducherry, including a seven-day-old infant, ensuring their safety amid ongoing challenges. Alongside rapid evacuations, the teams have distributed food packets, emergency rations, and water bottles, while also providing medical assistance to the injured.”

The statement further noted, “Kudos to the veterans and young volunteers from the local community who have collaborated with the Indian Army, enhancing the collective effort to deliver relief and aid. Together, they exemplify unity and compassion in serving the people of Puducherry.”

Rescue operations are actively ongoing in Puducherry, with coordinated efforts from the NDRF, local administration, police, and state rescue teams. In critical areas such as Krishnanagar and Kuber Nagar, over 100 individuals have been successfully rescued from each location.

The disaster caused by Cyclone Fengal has resulted in the loss of 12 lives, inundation of 2,11,139 hectares of agricultural and horticultural lands, damage to 1,649 kilometres of electric conductors, 23,664 electric poles, and 997 transformers.

Additionally, it resulted in damage to 9,576 kilometres of roads, 1,847 culverts, and 417 tanks, causing extensive destruction to infrastructure, homes, and huts.

Cyclone Fengal, which originated as a low-pressure area on November 23, devastated 14 districts of Tamil Nadu. The initial impact brought severe rainfall to Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai districts. Subsequently, Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, and Villupuram experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall.

The cyclone’s landfall on December 1 significantly impacted Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and Tiruvannamalai, with wind speeds reaching 90 km/h, causing considerable damage to roads and electricity infrastructure.

The disaster also led to severe flooding and destruction in the interior districts of Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Ranipet, Vellore, and Tirupathur. The calamity has resulted in widespread disruption, including flooding, displacement of populations, and severe damage to infrastructure.

Approximately 69 lakh families and 1.5 crore individuals have been affected by the disaster. Notably, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Kallakurichi districts recorded rainfall exceeding 50 cm in a single day, comparable to an entire season’s average.

This resulted in extensive flooding and significant damage to infrastructure and agricultural lands.