Chennai, Dec 7:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday undertook an aerial survey of flood hit northern Tamil Nadu and held discussions with Chief Minister M K Stalin over the extent of damage due to the cyclone Michaung.
After he surveyed Chennai and nearby areas hit by torrential rains and flood, the Union Minister called on Stalin at the Secretariat here and he was briefed on the cyclone, the damage caused and the relief needed from the Centre.
Union Minister of State L Murugan accompanied Rajnath Singh.
During the meeting, the state government explained 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 Stalin wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday seeking release of an immediate interim relief of Rs5,060 crore to undertake in flood affected areas of the State and alsourged 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 Stalin, the DMK MPs also raised the issue in Parliament seeking allocation of immediate relief as sought by the state government
