Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to assess cyclone damages in Tamil Nadu today
Thursday, 7 December 2023 (11:40 IST)
Chennai: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will arrive in Chennai on Thursday to assess the damages caused by the unprecedented rains in the wake of Cyclone Michaung that caused extensive damages to roads and other infra facilities in Tamil Nadu.
Official sources said Mr Rajnath will make an aerial survey of the flood affected areas for an hour from noon.
Before leaving New Delhi for Chennai for the aerial survey, Mr Rajnath posted on X "Leaving New Delhi for Chennai to assess the flood situation caused due to ‘Michaung’ Cyclone in Tamil Nadu. Shall conduct an aerial survey of the affected areas and also review the situation with the State Government."
Later, he will meet Chief Minister M.K.Stalin and other officials at the State Secretariat to discuss the damages and the relief operations undertaken by the government.
During the meeting, the state government will explain in detail the extent of damages caused by the Cyclonic rains and urge him for early release of Central funds sought by the state fir relief works.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister is also expected to hand over a petition seeking immediate release of interim relief from the Centre for relief works especially in Chennai and three neighbouring districts, which bore the brunt of thke Cyclone rain fury.
It may be recalled that Mr Stalin wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday seeking release of an immediate interim relief of Rs 5,060 crore to undertake in flood affected areas of the State and also urged him to depute a Central team to estimate the damages.
He also said that works on estimated the damges has started and after preparing a detailed report it would be sent to the Centre seeking additional assistance.
Later, in a social media post Mr Stalin said "Dear Hon'ble PM Thiru.@narendramodi, in response to #CycloneMichaung's devastation, I have detailed the severe impacts on Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram and Chengalpattu in my recent letter."
"Our infrastructure is severely hit, impacting lakhs, and many are struggling with floodwaters, he said.
"I have requested an interim relief of Rs.5060 crore for immediate restoration efforts. Additionally, we are in the process of preparing a comprehensive report to assess the need for further funds, ensuring a thorough recovery", Mr Stalin added.
"Our people are facing unprecedented challenges, but I am confident that, united, we will emerge stronger from this adversity", he said.
As per the directions of Mr Stalin, the DMK MPs also raised the issue in Parliament seeking allocation of immediate relief as sought by the state government. (UNI)
