Cyclone Fengal: Tamil Nadu's MK Stalin writes to PM Modi for Rs 2,000-crore relief as storm kills 12, impacts 1.5 crore individuals

The IMD has advised against fishing along the Kerala coast on December 2 and 3, the southern Karnataka coast on December 2, the Karnataka coast on December 3, and in the Lakshadweep region from December 3 to 5.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking Rs 2,000 crore aid for Cyclone Fengal relief operations in the state. The post-monsoon storm, that impacted over 14 districts across Tamil Nadu, has killed 12 people so far. As per the government data, 69 lakh families and 1.5 crore people are grappling the aftermath of the cyclone. Stalin has sought Rs 2,000 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund.

The low-pressure weather system, which was first observed on November 23 later intensified into a cyclonic storm and made landfall on the shores of Tamil Nadu on December 1. The state witnessed heavy downpour with a wind speed of 90 km per hour. The worst-affected districts are Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore and Villupuram. Other districts in the interior of Tamil Nadu such as Krishnagiri, Ranipet, Tirupattur, Dharmapuri, Vellore also witnessed severe rainfall.

In his letter, Stalin wrote about intensive mobilisation of forces in the rescue work. “Senior ministers and officers have been deputed to oversee operations in the districts, while nine teams from the National Disaster Response Force and nine teams from the State Disaster Response Force have been deployed. A dedicated workforce comprising 38,000 government officials and 1,12,000 trained first responders are actively engaged in rescue and relief operations,” Stalin wrote.

Seeking Centre's help, Stalin said that Tamil Nadu needs Rs 2,475 crore to carry out the relief operations. He also added that the scale of disaster is overwhelming for the state government.