Cyclone Gaja: Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami meets PM Modi to seek financial assistance

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappai K Palaniswami on Thursday called-on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi and sought financial assistance worth Rs 15,000 crore for relief and restoration works being undertaken in areas affected by cyclone Gaja.

After meeting with PM Modi, Palaniswami said, “Cyclone Gaja caused huge destructions in Tamil Nadu. Today, I met the Prime Minister and explained the destruction caused by cyclone Gaja. I submitted a memorandum to him. We sought Rs 15,000 crore as assistance from the union government. As an interim relief to cyclone assistance, we requested for Rs 1,500 crore.”

“We have also requested the Prime Minister to depute a central assurance team to undertake an assessment of damages caused by cyclone Gaja. The Prime Minister has assured for the same. A total of 12 districts in the state have been affected by the cyclone,” he added.

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Edappadi K Palaniswami called on PM @narendramodi. @CMOTamilNadu pic.twitter.com/Am2LEDPK5m

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 22, 2018

Talking to the reporters, Palaniswami informed that 63 people have lost their lives due to cyclone Gaja. “We have established 556 camps in which more than 3.78 lakh people are staying.” He added.

Interestingly, Palaniswami’s Delhi visit comes days after DMK chief MK Stalin slammed the CM for not spending enough time with the cyclone victims. However, in response to the criticism, Palaniswami said, “How many places Stalin visited during his tour to the area? There were huge destructions, roads were completely damaged, uprooted trees fell on roads blocking the streets.”

Earlier on Tuesday, CM Palaniswami along with Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam visited Gaja-hit Pudukkottai area and distributed relief material to those residing in the relief camps.

Also Read: Cyclone Gaja: MK Stalin to donate Rs 1 crore for rehabilitation in Tamil Nadu