India flood death toll nears 270 as Chennai remains at standstillDecember 4, 2015 - 14:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Chennai continues to face its worst rains in over a century, with the death toll from flooding in the southern Indian city increasing even as Friday, December 4 brought a semblance of respite, TIME reports. A total of 269 people have died since torrential rains first began lashing the coastal city about a month ago, India’s Home Minister Rajnath Singh was quoted as saying by the Indian Express newspaper. Singh also added that close 60 others have lost their lives in other parts of the country’s south, in what he called an “unprecedented calamity.” Around a million people have also been displaced from their homes, the Los Angeles Times cited a local journalist as saying. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who flew to Chennai to survey the devastation on Thursday, announced an aid package of $150 million from the central government in addition to the $140 million that has already been set aside for rescue and relief. Large swaths of the city — one of India’s largest — have come to a complete standstill, with nearly half the electrical supply being cut off and telephone and transport services severely impacted. The international airport has also been closed until Sunday because the runway and tarmac were submerged under 7 ft. of water, according to reports. Although the downpour ceased by Friday morning, Chennai is still reeling from having received more rain in a 24-hour period than it normally does during the entire month of December. Photo: AFP Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |