Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will arrive in Chennai
today 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.
