Unprecedented calamity, Chennai toll 269, says Rajnath Singh

Terming the situation due to Chennai rains as "very alarming", Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said in the Lok Sabha that the Centre will extend all possible assistance to the state governments in dealing with natural calamities.

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Chennai rains: As many as 269 people have died in Tamil Nadu due to the torrential rains, while two in Pudducherry and 54 in Andhra Pradesh.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said Chennai has turned into an island. “It would not be an exaggeration to say that. Since the day before, Chennai has been cut off from all national and state highways,” said Singh, responding to a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the flood situation in the country’s southern region. He said the “unprecedented calamity” has so far claimed 269 lives in Chennai, two in Puducherry and 54 in Andhra Pradesh.

Watch Video: Why Is Chennai Under Water? (app users click here)

The minister added that in the 24 hours beginning December 1, 8.30 pm, Chennai has received 330 mm of rain, which exceeds the rain the city receives for the entire month of December, thereby “breaking a 100-year record”.

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He said in several places the rising water levels have forced authorities to cut electricity connections, while 40 per cent of mobile phone connections and 20 per cent landline connections have been adversely affected.

Watch Visuals Of People Being Rescued In Boats (app users click here)

Singh also told the House that INS Airavat has been deployed for relief and rescue work.

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