Tamil Nadu: 20 students trapped in forest fire in Kurangani, IAF called in for rescue operation
Kurangani, Mar 11 (IBNS): The Indian Air Force has been pressed to service to evacuate 20 students who have been trapped in a forest fire that broke out in Tamil Nadu's Kurangani hills, officials said.
"The @IAF_MCC are working w/ local authorities in Theni distt, Tamil Nadu to evacuate all trapped in the forest fire in Kurangani. Smt @nsitharaman has spoken to Collector of Theni Distt & Southern Air Command to co-ordinate a quick & effective Search & Rescue effort," official Twitter page of the Indian Defence Minister posted.
Earlier giving details of the incident, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said: "Responding to the request from the Hon @CMOTamilNadu on the forest -fire related issue -20 students are caught in Kurangani, Theni district. Instructed @IAF_MCC to help in rescue and evacuation. The Southern Command is in touch with the Collector of Theni. @ThanthiTV @pibchennai."
Sitharaman said the air force was directed to start the evacuation process after she received a request from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.
According to reports, the students went for trekking on the Kurangani hills.
They had not taken permission for the trekking from the police or the forest department, media reports said.
More details are awaited.
Image: File Shot
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