PM Narendra Modi announced an extra Rs. 1,000 crore assistance for Odisha, which was severely destroyed by Cyclone Fani. The Union government sanctioned Rs. 381 crore last week, said PM Modi.
Prime Minister Modi also reviewed the relief and restoration steps being undertaken by government officials in the cyclone-affected areas.
PM Modi announced Rs. 2 lakh ex-gratia each for the kin of dead in the natural disaster and Rs. 50,000 for the injured.
At least 34 people, including 21 from Puri district, have so far lost their lives due to the cyclone. Cyclone Fani struck the coastal state on Friday causing total destruction in several parts of the state.
He also said that a central team will visit the state and assess the loss.
PM Modi also assured the state government that all full support and co-operation will be given to deal with the situation.
“There was perfect co-ordination between the Centre and state governments in the past 7-8 days. I was monitoring the situation,” said PM Modi.
He said more than 1 crore people in about 14,000 villages of 11 districts were affected.
PM Modi also said the authorities were giving top priority for restoration of electricity and water supplies and to offer health facilities. “We will work together on man, machinery and money requirements to deal with the situation,” he said.
After arriving at the Biju Patnaik International Airport, the Prime Minister conducted an aerial survey to evaluate the loss and destruction caused by the cyclone.
The Prime Minister also undertook an aerial survey over Puri, Khurdha and other affected districts,
PM Modi was received by Governor Ganeshi Lal, CM Naveen Patnaik and Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on his arrival.
Roughly around 1.08 crore people in 14,835 villages spread across 11 districts have been affected by the cyclone. Over 13.41 lakh people had been evacuated ahead of the severe cyclonic storm on May 3.
The massive impact of Cyclone Fani was witnessed when thousands of trees and electric poles have been uprooted by force in the coastal districts. It was in Puri where the cyclone made landfall and parts of Khurdha are affected by the cyclonic storm.