Modi visits rain-hit Chennai, announces Rs.1,000 cr for Tamil Nadu flood relief

At least 269 people have died in Tamil Nadu due to rain-related incidents in the past one month.

Meeting Tamil Nadu CM J Jayayalalithaa, Modi said: "I have seen the damage and misery caused by the extremely heavy rainfall."

He said: "The Government of India stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Tamil Nadu in this hour of need."

Modi also announced Rs.1,000 crore relief to Tamil Nadu for flood relief operations in the state.

Modi said: "I have directed that Rs. 1000 crore be released immediately by the Govt of India to Tamil Nadu for immediate relief.This is over and above the Rs. 940 crore, which was released earlier."

Modi earlier reached  INS Rajali, which is a naval air station in Arakkonam town, where he took an overview of flood relief operations in the south Indian state.

Jayalalithaa earlier in the day conducted  an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas in Chennai.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said in the Parliament that 269 people have died in Tamil Nadu, 54 in Andhra Pradesh while 2 others lost their lives in Puducherry.

The Indian Air Force has been pressed into service in flood affected areas of Tamil Nadu and on completion of airlift of 4 National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) teams from Delhi and 10 NDRF teams from Bhubaneswar to Arakkonam, 4 Indian Army Columns are being airlifted by the transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force on Thursday, officials said. 

"One C-130J from Tambaram to Delhi and  Two C-17s from Arakkonam are expected to get back stranded passengers to Begumpet/Delhi,  today," read an official statement.

"The helicopter operations are on full swing wherein 04 Medium Lift Helicopter, One Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) and 05 Chetak/Cheetah are involved actively in rescue & relief operations," read the statement.

One helicopter is positioned in Tirupati to aid the Andhra Pradesh Government.

Chennai remained cut off from the rest of the state with road, rail and air while the Centre declared the city as disaster zone.

According to reports, giving hope to people of the state, water level has started receding in some parts of Chennai.

The Chennai International airport will remain closed till December 6. The Rajali naval air station at Arakkonam, 70 km west of Chennai, will function as a makeshift airport.

Jet Airways on Thursday said it has suspended flight operations at rain-hit Chennai airport till 12 noon on December 6 due to waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall.

“Operations at Chennai airport have been suspended till 12 noon on December 6, 2015 due to waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall. In view of the prevailing conditions in Chennai and in the interest of safety of its guests, crew and aircraft, Jet Airways has cancelled all its flights to and from Chennai until December 6, 2015," the Airways said in a statement.

"Jet Airways guests with confirmed tickets to and from Chennai between December 1 and 8, 2015 will be allowed full refund or complimentary change of booking to alternative dates, depending on seat availability," it said.

The Navy's amphibious carrier, INS Airavat, has been moved to Chennai with medical equipment, medicines and doctors. The ship is also taking 20 divers and swimmers and 15 boats.

The Met Department said in the next 48 hours the low pressure is going to weaken.

Emergency Toll Free Number: 1910, State Emergency: 1070, District Emergency: 1077, Electricity:1912, Fire & Rescue: 101, Ambulance: 108, Tree fall, waterlogging - 1913, Sewage overflow - 45674567, 22200335

Flood Control Room: 28593990, 044-28410577,9445869843/47

Helpline Numbers: Tiruvottiyur : 09445190001, Manali: 09445190002; Madhavaram: 9445190003, Ambattur: 9445190007; Tondiarpet: 9445190004, Royapuram: 9445190005; Annanagar: 9445190008, Teynampet: 9445190009, Alandur: 9445190012, Adyar: 9445190013,Perungudi: 9445190014