News

Rains stops in Chennai

by IBNS 04 Dec 2015, 09:15 am

Chennai, Dec 4 (IBNS): Giving respite to people, Tamil Nadu's capital Chennai has not experienced any rain since morning on Friday.

Many areas int he city remained waterlogged.

"Mainly or Generally cloudy sky with possibility of rain or Thunderstorm," the IMD website said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted aerial survey of flood affected areas of Tamil Nadu's capital city Chennai on Thursdayand announced a relief of Rs 1000 crore.

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 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.