As Tamil Nadu’s Chennai faces a deluge caused by heavy rainfall from Cyclone Michaung, the Central Government has pledged support and initiated critical measures to aid the affected region.
Expressing concern over the loss of lives in the cyclone-hit areas of Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, deeply affected by the situation, personally contacted the Chief Minister to ensure comprehensive assistance from the Centre. The Defence Ministry shared this update on X, affirming Modi’s close monitoring and commitment to aiding the state.
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh meeting the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru @mkstalin in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/GC90X1VwPr
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) December 7, 2023
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the approval of a significant project to mitigate urban floods in Chennai. Valued at Rs 561.29 crore, the ‘Integrated Urban Flood Management’ initiative for the Chennai Basin under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) aims to fortify the city against floods. Shah underscored that this project, the first in a series, will foster flood resilience in Chennai and set a framework for effective urban flood management nationwide.
The Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas in Tamil Nadu and conferred with Chief Minister MK Stalin to evaluate the extent of damage and determine necessary relief measures. Authorities from the National Disaster Management Authority, police, and navy were also present during the meeting between Singh and Stalin post the aerial survey.
Severe waterlogging persisted in multiple areas of Chennai, including Pallikaranai and Jerusalem College of Engineering, exacerbating the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung. The downpour also led to overflowing waterfalls in Kodaikanal Hills, causing distress in the Dindigul district.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the region, the Tamil Nadu government announced the closure of schools and colleges in severely affected districts. Relief efforts, including the Indian Air Force’s distribution of 2,300 kg of relief materials in collaboration with various state agencies, are underway to aid flood-affected areas in Chennai.
The Central Government, in tandem with the state, remains committed to providing essential relief and assistance as Tamil Nadu navigates the repercussions of Cyclone Michaung.