Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday expressed concern over the damage caused in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu due to the incessant rainfall in the states triggered by cyclone Michaung. Speaking on the steps taken by the Central government to help the rain-affected states, Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the Union Home Ministry to release in advance the central share of the 2nd installment of the State Disaster Response Fund of Rs 493.60 crore to Andhra Pradesh and Rs 450 crore to Tamil Nadu.
The Union Home Minister took to X and said, "Severe cyclonic storm Michaung has affected Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Though the extent of damage is varied, many areas of these states are inundated, thus affecting standing crops. To help the state Governments with the management of relief necessitated by the cyclonic storm, PM
@narendramodi Ji directed the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to release in advance the central share of the 2nd installment of SDRF of Rs 493.60 crore to Andhra Pradesh and Rs 450 crore to Tamil Nadu. The centre had already released the 1st installment of the same amount to both States. I pray for the safety and well-being of all those affected. We stand with them in this crucial hour and will ensure the situation normalizes at the earliest".
In another post on X, Shah said that PM Modi has approved the first urban flood mitigation project of Rs. 561.29 crore for ‘Integrated Urban Flood Management activities for Chennai Basin Project’ under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF).
"Chennai is facing major floods, the third such occurring in the last eight years. We are witnessing more instances of metropolitan cities receiving excessive rainfall, leading to sudden flooding. Guided by a pro-active approach, PM @narendramodi Ji has approved the first urban flood mitigation project of Rs. 561.29 crore for ‘Integrated Urban Flood Management activities for Chennai Basin Project’ under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF), which also includes Central assistance of Rs. 500 crore. This mitigation project will help make Chennai flood-resilient. This is the first in a series of urban flood mitigation efforts and will help develop a broader framework for urban flood management," Shah said in a post on X.
PM Modi Distressed By Loss Of Lives In Tamil Nadu, Says Rajnath Singh
Union Minister Rajnath Singh said that PM Modi is distressed over the loss of lives due to the incessant rain and flood-like situation in Tamil Nadu. He further stated that the Prime Minister is personally overseeing the response to the current crisis and has spoken to Chief Minister MK Stalin.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "PM Narendra Modi is distressed by the loss of lives in Tamil Nadu. He is personally overseeing the response to the current crisis and has spoken to CM MK Stalin... I have also been directed by the Prime Minister to personally monitor the situation here...Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Metrological Department, NDRF, all central agencies have been doing the best they can to mitigate the current crisis.."
Speaking on the flood-like situation in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Rajnath Singh said, "I took an aerial survey followed by a one-to-one meeting with the Chief Minister and a review meeting with the concerned officials. Together we are putting up an effective response to the situation here and hopefully, we will improve it further...On behalf of the Prime Minister, let me assure the people of Tamil Nadu that the Government of India is committed to their well-being...PM has directed to Ministry of Home Affairs to release the second installment of Rs 450 Crores to the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Response Fund. The first instalment of the Central share to the SDRF amounting to Rs 450 Crore had been released earlier. Since the problem of urban floods has been repeatedly witnessed by Chennai in recent years, the Government of India has approved a centre funding of Rs 500 Crore for urban flood management activities."