CHENNAI: Based on the request of the Puducherry district Collector to assist in rescue operations in flooded areas after cyclone Fengal pounded the Union Territory, Indian Army troops of the Chennai Garrison Battalion under the Dakshin Bharat Area executed much-needed service to the affected.

A Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) column comprising 01 Officer, 06 Junior Commissioned Officers, and 62 Other Ranks has been sent from Chennai to Puducherry.

On arrival in Puducherry, Major Ajay Sangwan, the Column Commander, took over the operations. The Column was earmarked to rescue stranded civilians from approximately 500 houses in the Krishnanagar region of Puducherry, where water levels reached approximately 5 feet in some localities. Rescue work started at 06 am, and over 100 people have been rescued from the flooded, inundated areas.

Army personnel also rescued the residents of Kuber Nagar and Jiva Nagar. A team of 30 soldiers was deputed to each locality for rescue missions. With the help of civic authorities, at least 100 people were moved to safety on boats. Police forces and specialised rescue teams also assisted in evacuation and provided relief materials to the accepted people.