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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |