ICG provides flood relief in Tamil Nadu
The Indian Coast Guard has dispatched four aircraft to the southern Indian state – one fixed-wing and three rotary-wing
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has been providing search and rescue (SAR) and relief assisting the Tamil Nadu government, in response to flooding in the Indian state’s southern districts.
The Coast Guard has deployed ‘ships, aircraft, and disaster relief teams’ to the affected areas, according a report by the United News of India (UNI) news agency.
ICG teams have reportedly saved around 200 lives so far in the city of Tuticorin (Thoothukudi) and neighboring areas.
ICG aircraft currently in operation in the area include one fixed-wing Dornier aircraft and two Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk III helicopters based at Madurai Airport. These aircraft have commenced ‘continuous sorties to render assistance in flood-affected areas’, according to UNI. Another rotorcraft stationed onboard the ICG ship ICGS Sujay is also assisting efforts.
As of 19 December, the three ICG helicopters have dropped over 600kg of relief material, including food and other essential items.
In June, the Greater Chennai Police announced the establishment of a new drone unit to serve Tamil Nadu’s state capital.