Thoothukudi: A devastating flood caused by heavy rains in Tamil Nadu has washed away a railway track at the Srivaikuntam railway station, leaving approximately 800 passengers stranded. Rescue operations are currently underway to save the passengers, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) taking to the skies to air drop food packets to those in need.
The incident occurred on Sunday morning when unprecedented rains wreaked havoc in the Thoothukudi district, leaving the Chennai-bound train passengers stranded at Srivaikuntam. To address the immediate needs of the passengers, railway staff from the Madurai Division, including Commercial Supervisor, Commercial Inspector, and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, have arrived at Srivaikuntam Railway station with food and water supplies.
The floodwater is hindering rescue efforts at Srivaikuntam station. However, food is being airdropped to the stranded passengers, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has initiated a rescue operation, stated the Thoothukudi District Collector. Additionally, 13 buses have been prepared at the Srivaikuntam bus depot to transport the stranded passengers.
The Station Master of Srivaikuntam informed that food packets, dropped by helicopters, are being distributed to the passengers by the RPF team. The NDRF team, comprised of 15 members, successfully reached the station and rescued 10 passengers as of 11:15 am.
Out of the 800 passengers stranded, approximately 500 are at the Srivaikuntam railway station, while the remaining 300 have taken shelter in a nearby school. The joint efforts of the NDRF, Indian Air Force, railway authorities, and local authorities are coordinating the ongoing rescue operations.
The passengers have been stuck since the early hours of Monday, spending the night in train coaches at Srivaikuntam railway station itself. The Tiruchendur-Chennai Egmore Express (Train No. 20606) had originated on Sunday, December 17, at 8:25 pm but was halted at Srivaikuntam due to heavy rain and flood conditions.
The intense cyclonic circulation in the southeastern Bay of Bengal, affecting southern districts of Tamil Nadu, has caused unprecedented rainfall on December 17th and 18th, resulting in a flood-like situation in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts.
Rescuers are working diligently to ensure the safe evacuation of all stranded passengers. The situation remains critical, but the combined efforts of authorities provide hope for a swift resolution to this distressing incident.
