Cyclone Fengal: PM Modi Connects with CM Stalin to Offer Support
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Chennai, Dec 3 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Tuesday, offering comprehensive support to manage the flood crisis and the extensive damage caused by Cyclone Fengal.
According to sources in the Chief Minister's office, during their conversation, Prime Minister Modi assessed the ongoing relief and rescue operations.
On Monday, CM Stalin sent a letter to Prime Minister Modi, seeking Rs 2,000 crore from the National Disaster Relief Funds (NDRF) as provisional aid to facilitate rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts in light of the significant devastation caused by the cyclone.
In his correspondence, CM Stalin emphasized the catastrophic impact of the torrential rains and strong winds that struck various districts in the state.
The calamity has claimed 12 lives and led to the flooding of 2,11,139 hectares of agricultural and horticultural land, along with the destruction of 1,649 kilometres of electrical lines, 23,664 electric poles, and 997 transformers.
Additionally, it caused damage to 9,576 kilometres of roads, 1,847 culverts, and 417 tanks, along with extensive harm to infrastructure, homes, and temporary shelters.
CM Stalin remarked: "The flood has led to extensive disruptions, submerging vast regions, displacing communities, and greatly affecting infrastructure and livelihoods. A total of 69 lakh families and 1.5 crore individuals have suffered from this disaster."
He added: "The districts of Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Kallakurichi faced unprecedented rainfall, exceeding 50 cm in a single day, which resulted in massive flooding and severe damage to infrastructure and crops."
After outlining the measures taken by the State government to alleviate the disaster's impact, CM Stalin stated that initial evaluations suggest Rs 2,475 crore is needed for immediate restoration efforts.
CM Stalin expressed, "Despite our dedicated efforts, the enormity of this disaster has surpassed the State's capabilities, and we urgently require financial support to address the repercussions of this natural calamity. Given the scale of destruction and the pressing need for recovery, I respectfully request the swift release of an interim relief of Rs 2,000 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund."
He noted that this aid would greatly facilitate emergency restoration and rehabilitation initiatives.
The Chief Minister also called upon Prime Minister Modi to send a central team to conduct a thorough evaluation of the damage.
