Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the ministry of home affairs to release in advance the second instalment of the Centre’s contribution to the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) for flood-affected regions of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The floods were caused by cyclone Michaung. Union minister Amit Shah announced that PM Modi has also approved the first urban flood mitigation project for Chennai, under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF). The project, known as the ‘Integrated Urban Flood Management activities for Chennai Basin Project’, has a total cost of Rs 561.29 crore, which includes a central assistance of Rs 500 crore.
The death toll from cyclone Michaung and the floods has reached 33 across three states – Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. On Thursday, six more deaths were reported in Chennai, bringing the toll in the city to 27. While many parts of Chennai have returned to normalcy, several suburban areas remain waterlogged, leaving residents stranded in their homes. The toll includes five deaths in Andhra Pradesh and two in Telangana. The remaining casualties occurred in Chennai and its adjacent districts, where relentless rain battered the region as Michaung approached. Fortunately, the cyclone made landfall at Bapatla in Andhra Pradesh and then curved northwards, sparing Chennai a direct hit.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh conducted an aerial survey of Chennai on Thursday and met with Chief Minister MK Stalin. Singh announced the allocation of Rs 561.29 crore for integrated urban flood management activities for the Chennai Basin project. This initiative aims to enhance the city’s ability to handle flood situations and mitigate the impact of future floods.
The funding and approvals by the central government are expected to provide timely relief to the flood-affected regions and support their recovery efforts. The funds allocated will enable the states to implement necessary measures for flood management and strengthen their disaster preparedness. As the death toll continues to rise and more areas remain affected by the floods, the government’s response and support are crucial in ensuring the well-being of the affected communities.
