Tamil Nadu government announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia to the families of the deceased members and Rs 1 lakh assistance to the injured in connection with the Coromandel Express train accident that took place in Odisha. The tragic rail accident in Balasore on Friday resulted in the death of 238 people and left 900 passengers injured.
In a statement, CM MK Stalin said, “Tamil Nadu government will be giving Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh each to the injured. Additional officers have been appointed to carry out rescue and relief work.”
"Arrangements have been made to provide medical assistance for the injured and to bring back the body of the deceased to the state," said the CM, in a statement.
Earlier, CM Stalin took stock of the situation at the emergency control room set up in Chennai. The state announced helpline numbers 1070, 94458 69843, 94458 69848 (WhatsApp).
The state also announced a day of mourning and postponed former TN CM Karunanidhi's centenary birthday celebration scheduled on Saturday.
Tamil Nadu Ministers including Udhayanidhi Stalin and Sivasankar have flown to Odisha to review the situation in the field and to know the condition of the people of Tamil Nadu.
Before leaving for Odisha, Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “We're going there to enquire for details. Tamil Nadu CM has spoken to Odisha CM. I will update you after reaching the spot. Hospital facilities are also ready for Tamilians in Tamil Nadu who got affected by Train accident.”
IAS officers from Tamil Nadu have also started the relief works in Odisha. The officers are expected to camp for the next 4-5 days in the state.
Tamil Nadu government has also arranged for special trains to bring back the stranded people.