Tamil Nadu: Cyclone Gaja death toll rises to 45
The toll in cyclone Gaja has touched 45, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami said on Sunday, appealing to leaders of all political parties to take part in the relief activities. He said the relief operations were going on a war footing in the districts affected by the cyclonic storm and state ministers have been deployed in Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Pudukottai to monitor.
CM says livelihood of farmers affected in villages
The TN government is collecting details about areas which have been badly affected by the cyclone, Palaniswami said. "In villages, lots of trees and standing crops have been damaged, affecting the livelihood of farmers. The extent of damage is being evaluated," he added. "Till now, 45 people have lost their lives due to the cyclone," the Chief Minister said.
TN government announced Rs. 10 lakh solatium to deceased's kin
The Tamil Nadu government has announced a solatium of Rs. 10 lakh to the family of each of the deceased from the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund (CMPRF). Meanwhile, those with severe injuries would be provided with Rs. 1 lakh each while those whose injuries are not grievous in nature would get a compensation of Rs. 25,000.
88,102-hectare agricultural land affected in coastal districts
Palaniswami said 1.7 lakh trees have been uprooted, 735 cattle died, 1.17 lakh houses damaged and 88,102-hectare agricultural land has been affected in coastal districts. Nearly 2.50 lakh people were provided with accommodation in 483 relief camps. Besides, 1,014 mobile medical vans have been set up and so far one lakh people in affected areas have benefited from it, the Chief Minister said.
CM urges political leaders, people to extend a helping hand
Noting that 39,938 electric poles and 347 transformers were damaged in the affected districts, Palaniswami said 12,532 state electricity board personnel were dispatched for repair works. He urged all political leaders and people to extend a helping hand in this time of need. "It's a natural calamity. There should not be any differences. I appeal to everyone to help the affected people," he said.
Will seek assistance from the Center if required: Palaniswami
Asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit Tamil Nadu, he said the state government has informed the Center about the damage caused by the cyclone. On whether the government would seek the Army's assistance, Palaniswami said, "As of now officials and ministers have been directed to visit the affected places. If required we will seek assistance from the Center."
Relief works in affected districts going on war footing: Panneerselvam
"Currently, were are facing challenges in removing uprooted trees and replacing the damaged electricity poles," Palaniswami said. Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam visited Nagapattinam and said relief works in affected districts were going on a war footing and normalcy would be restored soon.
