Chennai police touched 72,000-mark in rescue operations during floods

Every day we hear of inspiring success stories. But it is the quiet achievers that are most interesting and symbolise what it is to be a real hero. This time it is the police department of the Greater Chennai who managed to rescue more than 72,000 people from across the city with a large number of personnel and an unmanned chopper. 

Heavy incessant rains pounded Chennai, breaking a 100-year-old record on the 1st and 2nd of December severely inundating Velachery, Mudichur and areas along the banks of Adyar and Cooum rivers. Various rescue teams were out in the city to take up rescue in full swing. When the media carried reports about the rescue operation and tireless service by these teams, the city police quietly carried out an excellent service in relief and rescue. 

The Greater Chennai city police split into 30 squads even as the flood waters started to inundate most parts of the city following non-stop rains on December 1st and rescued 72,000 people who were stranded in the flooded areas across Chennai. The police have received more than 10,000 emergency phone calls during five days of continuous rains. The special helpline 2345 2314 published on the internet by the police was the only hope for those who were stuck without mobile phone networks. 

It was the only helpline people from abroad whose families live in Chennai were able to contact. Collecting information about their marooned families, the police personnel consoled them and assured they would send help. These details were soon sent to the rescue teams in the respective areas via walkie talkies and an exclusive rescue-team-whatsapp-group. 

On the orders of Chennai city police commissioner TK Rajendran, an unmanned chopper was used to locate people who were stranded on the terraces. Under the supervision of Additional Commissioner Varadharaju, Intelligence wing, a team headed by Assistant Commissioner Jayakumar carried out an excellent rescue and relief operation.