I request Honourable @rajnathsingh to urgently deploy more helicopters for rescue and relief in Tamil Nadu's southern districts, severely...

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reached out to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, urging the immediate deployment of additional military helicopters to assist rescue and relief operations across flood-hit southern districts. Stalin pointed out that catastrophic and unprecedented precipitation in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi resulted in massive inundation, isolating numerous residential areas and rural hamlets from surface transport routes.

The Chief Minister explained that armed forces helicopters are critically required to air-drop ready-to-eat food packets, bottled drinking water, and vital medical supplies to stranded citizens marooned by rushing waters. Furthermore, specialized airborne sorties are essential to evacuate vulnerable persons, including pregnant women, infants, elderly citizens, and individuals requiring emergency medical treatment from remote, submerged habitations.

Stalin emphasized that state disaster personnel, the National Disaster Response Force, and local administrative bodies are actively executing ground rescues, but the sheer geographic expanse of severe inundation necessitates expanded aerial capability. He expressed confidence that the Ministry of Defence would respond promptly to Tamil Nadu’s urgent humanitarian requisition, ensuring that joint military and civilian operations swiftly reach every stranded citizen and prevent avoidable loss of human lives.