Advises citizens to “divert all travel to the area.”
By Sreejith Vallikunnu
The United States has offered assistance to the victims of Chennai floods, which has so far claimed more than 260 lives.
“The US stands ready to assist the people of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, as well as the Government of India as they face the worst flooding in decades,” State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner, told reporters.
“We express our deepest condolences to the families of the people who have perished in these floods, and our thoughts are with those families who are still trapped and whose livelihoods are affected,” he said on Thursday.
“We’ve offered our assistance. Certainly, India is a very developed government with its own domestic services or capabilities to provide emergency assistance. That said, it’s something we normally do especially in the cases of strong partners like India…where we offer whatever assistance we can in the aftermath of natural disaster,” Toner said.
He said advised US citizens “to divert all travel to the area.”
The US Consulate General was closed on Thursday and Friday. “Those in the region are advised to shelter in place, but they also should – both Indians and American citizens — monitor the Consulate General’s website for updates on that,” Toner said.
According to reports, Chennai has received the highest rainfall in 100 years. As of now, the unceasing torrential rain that began a month ago in southern India has totally inundated Chennai, the worst affected city. According to the Indian Express, the rain has claimed 269 lives in the past month.
Both central and state governments have extended support for the people affected by the flood. The Indian Army and Air Force officials have been engaged in rescue operations for the past several days.