New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday assured Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin of all possible help and support in the wake of the devastating flooding caused by Cyclone Fengal. The cyclone has wreaked havoc across many districts of the state, severely affecting the lives of thousands of people.

According to government sources, Prime Minister Modi called Chief Minister Stalin to discuss the situation and extended full support to the state. Cyclone Fengal, which caused widespread damage, led CM Stalin to request immediate financial assistance from the Centre to aid recovery efforts.

CM Stalin requests Rs 2,000 crore from NDRF

In his call to PM Modi, Chief Minister Stalin urged the release of Rs 2,000 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for restoration and rehabilitation efforts. He also asked for the deployment of a central team to conduct a comprehensive damage assessment.

Stalin highlighted that Cyclone Fengal had inundated 2.11 lakh hectares of farmland and damaged critical infrastructure, affecting over 1.5 crore people across 14 districts in Tamil Nadu.

In a post on social media, Stalin expressed the severity of the situation:

“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 2000 crore from the NDRF immediately to aid emergency restoration and rehabilitation efforts.”

School and College closures in flood-affected districts

Due to the heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Fengal, schools and colleges in four districts of Tamil Nadu, including the Nilgiris district, have been ordered to remain closed on Tuesday. District Magistrate Lakshmi Bhavya confirmed that all schools in the Nilgiris district would be closed on December 3, due to the ongoing heavy rainfall.

Ex-gratia for landslide victims

In addition to the flood-related damages, Tamil Nadu has also been dealing with the aftermath of landslides triggered by heavy downpours in the Thiruvannamalai district. Chief Minister Stalin announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of seven people who tragically lost their lives in the landslide.

The victims, including five children, were trapped under debris after a landslide struck their home in the district. The deceased were identified as Rajkumar and his wife Meena (27), residents of 11th Street in VOC Nagar.

Cyclone after effects expected to bring more rain

The aftereffects of Cyclone Fengal are expected to continue affecting Tamil Nadu, with heavy rainfall forecasted in several districts. Local authorities are taking measures to manage the situation and ensure the safety of the people.