Tamil Nadu Theni Forest Fire Doused: Defence Minister
An Indian Air Force helicopter doused the fire at Kurangani hills area in Tamil Nadu that left nine persons dead, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday.
New Delhi, March 12: An Indian Air Force helicopter doused the fire at Kurangani hills area in Tamil Nadu's Theni forest that left nine persons dead, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday. At least 16 Garud Commando Force personnel have been engaged in the search and rescue operation at the site, the Defence Minister said, adding they were working on moving the dead bodies to a place from where they can be collected.
According to the minister, two helicopters have been engaged in the task of moving the bodies. At least 27 people have so far been rescued from the site, out of which ten suffered minor injuries and eight were seriously hurt. The IAF was on Sunday pressed into action by Sitharaman after reports of the fire surfaced. The operation is underway and further details are awaited.
In wake of the forest fire near Kurangani hills of Tamil Nadu, trekking in the area has been temporarily prohibited. "The Kerala Chief Secretary and Chairman of State Disaster Management authority issued directions on Monday that trekking to the hills should be stopped until all fire lines are cleared," said Kerala's Principal Chief Conservator of Forest PK Kesavan.