In response to the aftermath of Cyclone Michuang, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in and around Chennai, Tamil Nadu, on December 07, 2023. The survey aimed to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate relief efforts in collaboration with the state government.
Accompanying Shri Rajnath Singh during the aerial survey were Shri Thangam Thenarasu, Minister for Finance & Human Resources Management in the Tamil Nadu government, and Chief Secretary Shri Shiv Das Meena. Following the survey, the Raksha Mantri held a crucial meeting with Chief Minister MK Stalin to review the current situation and discuss the ongoing relief operations.
“Addressing reporters after the survey, Shri Rajnath Singh underscored the combined efforts of the Central and state governments to respond effectively to the crisis. He acknowledged the substantial support provided by the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and various other central agencies engaged in relief and rescue operations. The goal is to leave no stone unturned in restoring normalcy to the flood-affected regions”.
Expressing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s deep distress over the loss of lives caused by the cyclone, Shri Rajnath Singh informed reporters that the Prime Minister is closely monitoring the situation. Shri Modi has assured all possible help from the Central Government and has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to release the central share of the second installment of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in advance. An allocation of Rs 493.60 crore has been designated for Andhra Pradesh, and Rs 450 crore for Tamil Nadu. The initial installment of the identical amount had already been disbursed to both states by the Centre.
“In a significant announcement, Shri Rajnath Singh revealed that the Centre has approved the first urban flood mitigation project amounting to Rs. 561.29 crore for the ‘Integrated Urban Flood Management Activities for Chennai Basin Project’ under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund. This project includes central assistance of Rs 500 crore and is a crucial step towards mitigating the impact of future floods in the region”.
The collective efforts of the Central and state governments, coupled with the proactive measures taken by the Prime Minister, showcase a unified response to the crisis and a commitment to restoring normalcy to the flood-affected areas.
