Cyclone Fengal: Centre Approves Rs 944.80 Crore Relief For Tamil Nadu, State Seeks Rs 6,675 Crore For Restoration

Cyclone Fengal: MHA has approved the release of Rs 944.80 crore to Tamil Nadu for cyclone relief while the MK Stalin-led government has requested an additional Rs 6,675 crore for restoration efforts.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the release of Rs 944.80 crore to Tamil Nadu in two instalments from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to assist in relief efforts for those affected by Cyclone Fengal. The cyclone, which struck Tamil Nadu’s coastline on November 30, caused widespread damage across the state.

An official release stated that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the government stands "shoulder to shoulder" with states grappling with the aftermath of natural disasters. The release of the funds is aimed at helping the state mitigate the hardship faced by the people.

Additionally, an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) has been dispatched to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for an on-site assessment of the cyclone's impact. Once the IMCT's reports are received, further financial assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) will be granted according to established procedures.

To date, the Union government has already released more than Rs 21,718.716 crore to 28 states in the current year. This includes Rs 14,878.40 crore from SDRF to 26 states, Rs 4,808.32 crore from NDRF to 18 states, Rs 1,385.45 crore from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to 11 states, and Rs 646.546 crore from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) to seven states. In addition to financial aid, the central government has provided logistical support, including the deployment of NDRF teams, Army units, and Air Force assistance to states affected by floods and cyclones, as per the MHA statement.

Tamil Nadu Govt Seeks Rs 6,675 Crore for Restoration Post-Cyclone Fengal

This comes as the Tamil Nadu government has sought an additional Rs 6,675 crore in relief funds for both temporary and permanent restoration efforts. Chief Minister M K Stalin submitted a memorandum to the inter-ministerial central team on Friday, requesting this substantial grant to facilitate rehabilitation work in the wake of Cyclone Fengal's destruction, news agency PTI reported. The cyclone has caused unprecedented rainfall and damage across the state.

Stalin, during a meeting with the central team, requested that they assess the extensive damage caused by the cyclone and recommend the release of the funds. The seven-member team, led by Rajesh Gupta, Joint Secretary for Disaster Management, is scheduled to visit the affected districts on December 7 and 8.

As part of immediate relief efforts, Chief Minister Stalin has already announced a relief payment of Rs 2,000 each to family ration cardholders in the affected districts of Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Kallakurichi. Additionally, compensation has been pledged for those who have suffered losses due to the cyclone and its aftermath.