Overview of the rescue operation

In an extraordinary display of courage and efficiency, the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services (TNFRS) personnel rescued over 19,157 marooned people in Chennai following the devastating impact of Cyclone Michaung.

Director General of Police (DGP), Fire Services, Abhash Kumar, reported that over 1,800 personnel and officers were dedicated to the round-the-clock rescue mission in the city.

The scale of the operation in Chennai

The cyclone, which brought heavy rainfall and flooding, led to an inundation of various parts of Chennai.

The TNFRS faced a flurry of distress calls, with a total of 1,046 calls for animal rescue and 597 calls regarding snakes in floodwaters.

Over three days, the personnel attended to 487 rescue calls, showcasing their commitment and preparedness for such emergencies.

Rescue efforts and challenges

Abhash Kumar highlighted the efficiency of the TNFRS, noting the immediate deployment of flat-bottomed boats for rescue operations.

These efforts were critical in the initial days, leading to the successful rescue of 19,157 people.

The team was fully prepared with 67 boats mobilised for operations, even extending their efforts into the night and in deeply inundated areas.

Humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts

Apart from rescuing thousands of residents, special attention was given to pregnant women, senior citizens, and individuals requiring urgent medical assistance.

Priya Ravichandran, Joint Director of TNFRS, detailed the mobilisation of about 1,650 personnel in the city, supplemented by 180 additional personnel from outside the city.

The team utilised 62 rubber boats and 71 vehicles, rescuing 204 animals and undertaking dewatering works in 45 key locations.

They also removed fallen trees at 277 spots, aiding in clearing traffic blocks.

Addressing other emergencies

In the midst of the flood rescue operations, the TNFRS also faced two major challenges: a three-day operation to retrieve bodies from a collapsed 40-foot-deep basement construction near Velachery and a strenuous 12-hour effort to extinguish a massive fire in a chemical factory godown in Manali.

IFSJ Comment

The Chennai flood rescue operation led by the TNFRS is a powerful example of effective disaster response and management.

The successful evacuation of over 19,000 people underlines the importance of well-coordinated, rapid response systems in times of natural disasters.

This operation also highlights the need for ongoing training, resource allocation, and support for fire and rescue services, ensuring they are equipped to handle multiple emergencies simultaneously.

The proactive and humanitarian approach of the TNFRS serves as a model for disaster response teams globally, demonstrating the critical role such services play in safeguarding communities during crises.