Cyclone Fengal: M.K. Stalin Appeals to PM Modi for Rs 2000 Crore Relief Package
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Chennai, Dec 2 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, on Monday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the allocation of Rs 2000 crore from the National Disaster Relief Funds (NDRF) to aid in the rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations following the extensive destruction caused by Cyclone Fengal.
In his correspondence with the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister emphasized that the heavy rainfall, accompanied by fierce winds, caused significant destruction across numerous districts in Tamil Nadu.
Stalin noted that the disaster claimed 12 lives and submerged 211,139 hectares of farmland, while also damaging 1,649 kilometers of power lines, 23,664 electric poles, and 997 transformers.
Furthermore, Cyclone Fengal has devastated 9,576 kilometers of roads, 1,847 culverts, and 417 tanks, leading to significant harm to infrastructure, homes, and shelters.
“The floods have led to extensive disruptions, flooding numerous regions, displacing communities, and severely affecting infrastructure and livelihoods. Approximately 69 lakh families and 1.5 crore individuals have been negatively impacted by this disaster,” stated the Chief Minister.
He further mentioned that the districts of Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Kallakurichi experienced rainfall that matched an entire season's average—over 50 cm—in just one day, leading to widespread flooding and severe damage to infrastructure and crops.
After outlining the actions taken by the State government to address the aftermath of the disaster, Stalin indicated that the preliminary assessment by the State suggests that approximately Rs 2,475 crore is necessary for immediate restoration efforts.
“Despite our best efforts, the scale of this disaster has surpassed the State’s resources, and we urgently require financial support to manage the repercussions of this natural calamity. In light of the extensive destruction and the urgent need for recovery, I sincerely request the prompt release of Rs 2000 crore as interim relief from the National Disaster Response Fund,” the Chief Minister articulated.
He also stated that this assistance would greatly facilitate emergency restoration and rehabilitation initiatives.
The Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to send a central team promptly to conduct a thorough assessment of the damages.
Stalin has also asked the Central government to provide additional financial aid to tackle the unprecedented negative effects on infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods in the impacted districts.
