Cyclone Fengal has left Tamil Nadu grappling with severe destruction, affecting 14 districts and causing widespread damage. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of the central government’s full support to tackle the aftermath of the disaster.
CM Stalin took to social media to share that he had spoken with PM Modi, requesting immediate relief measures and urging the dispatch of a central team to assess the cyclone’s impact.
Earlier, on Monday, Stalin had sought Rs 2,000 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to aid in restoration and rehabilitation efforts. Highlighting the devastation, he wrote, “Cyclone Fengal has wreaked unprecedented havoc across 14 districts of Tamil Nadu, affecting 1.5 crore people, inundating 2.11 lakh hectares of farmland, and damaging critical infrastructure. Given the magnitude of destruction, I urge Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release Rs 2,000 crore from the NDRF immediately to aid emergency restoration and rehabilitation efforts.”
The cyclone and the resulting incessant rains have caused schools to shut down in four districts. Tragically, a landslide in Thiruvannamalai district claimed the lives of seven people, including five children. CM Stalin announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh each to the bereaved families.
As Cyclone Fengal weakens, heavy rains continue to lash Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with flood warnings issued for 15 districts. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘yellow’ alert, predicting more rainfall in the coming days. At least 10 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across the affected regions.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with the Indian Army stepping in to evacuate stranded citizens from inundated areas.
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Tamil Nadu during this challenging time, ensuring all possible assistance to address the destruction caused by Cyclone Fengal.
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