In the aftermath of the relentless rainfall accompanying Cyclone Michaung, the 108 ambulance network responded to 150 distress calls within the city limits of Chennai on Monday, December 4, 2023. The ambulances, tasked with aiding individuals such as pregnant women, elderly citizens, dialysis patients, and others in need of medical assistance, have facilitated the transportation of these individuals to hospitals.
M. Selvakumar, the State head of operations for the 108 ambulance network, revealed that approximately 70 ambulances are currently in operation within Chennai, extending up to Guindy. He emphasized that despite widespread waterlogging across the city, the emergency response team has been actively reaching people in accessible areas. In cases of urgency, coordination with the Fire and Rescue Services Department has been established to ensure a prompt and effective response.
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In addition to the 150 assignments carried out, the ambulances are engaged in the inter-facility transfer of patients between government hospitals due to issues arising from waterlogging. Meanwhile, the 12th battalion of the Madras Regiment, comprising army personnel, has been actively participating in rescue operations. Using barges, they successfully evacuated residents stranded in waterlogged areas of Mugalivakkam and Manapakkam.
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To enhance relief efforts, authorities are strategizing the mobilization of three additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams from Bengaluru. Presently, 10 teams, consisting of 250 personnel, are deployed in cyclone-affected districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram. Notably, two NDRF teams based in Villupuram are actively engaged in rescue operations within the Tambaram area of Chengalpattu district, addressing challenges posed by heavy rains. Furthermore, three NDRF teams from Arakkonam have been urgently summoned to provide relief support in areas falling under the Greater Chennai Corporation.