Cyclone Fengal and ongoing rainfall underscore the urgent need for better disaster management in Tamil Nadu. As rescue and relief efforts progress, the state faces the immense challenge of rebuilding communities and restoring normalcy
Published Dec 03, 2024 | 4:10 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 03, 2024 | 4:10 PM
Tamil Nadu announces relief measures for Cyclone Fengal victims, appeals for ₹2,000 crore in aid
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced comprehensive relief measures for the districts affected by Cyclone Fengal, including Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, Dharmapuri, and Krishnagiri.
The devastating cyclone, accompanied by heavy rains and floods, has caused extensive damage across the state. The measures are being implemented even as victims of cyclone Fengal are seething at the government for delayed and inadequate response.
In Villupuram, angry villagers flung mud at Forest Minister Ponmudi and the officials accompanying him leading to tensions. The minister, after a heated argument with the locals had to return without resolving the issues raised by the protestors. The residents were irate over not being supplied with food, drinking water, electricity amid heavy rains.
During a meeting on 3 December, chief minister Stalin outlined the following relief assistance for affected families:
Additionally, to help those who have lost vital documents in the floods, the state will set up special camps to issue new certificates, voter IDs, Aadhaar cards, and ration cards.
Students from flood-affected families will receive new textbooks and notebooks to support their education.
Cyclone Fengal has wreaked havoc across 14 districts, affecting 1.5 crore people and submerging over 2.11 lakh hectares of farmland. The cyclone’s destruction has also severely impacted critical infrastructure in the state.
In response to the widespread devastation, the Tamil Nadu government has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release ₹2,000 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
The funds are urgently needed to support emergency restoration and rehabilitation efforts in the affected regions.
#CycloneFengal has wreaked unprecedented havoc across 14 districts of Tamil Nadu, affecting 1.5 crore people, inundating 2.11 lakh hectares of farmland, and damaging critical infrastructure.
Given the magnitude of destruction, I urge Hon’ble @PMOIndia Thiru. @NarendraModi to… pic.twitter.com/9KUulScZVY
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) December 2, 2024
The appeal underscores the state’s need for federal assistance to aid millions of affected citizens and help rebuild communities in the wake of this catastrophic natural disaster.
Heavy rains in Salem caused severe flooding, leading to the breach of the Thirumanimutharu Raj Canal. Floodwaters entered agricultural fields in areas like Kandampatti and Puthur Agraharam, submerging over 150 acres of crops, including sugarcane, paddy, maize, and cotton.
#Salem: 150 Acres of Crops Destroyed by Floodwaters, Farmers Demand ₹40,000 Per Acre Compensation
Heavy rains in Salem caused severe flooding yesterday, leading to the breach of the Thirumanimutharu Raj Canal. Floodwaters entered agricultural fields in areas like Kandampatti… pic.twitter.com/fEsATZemXB
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) December 3, 2024
The breach occurred as rainwater from Yercaud hills flowed into the canal, overwhelming its capacity. Farmers reported that the rushing waters not only submerged but also washed away standing crops.
They have demanded immediate government action to desilt the canal and strengthen its embankments. Additionally, they urged the government to provide compensation of ₹40,000 per acre for the destroyed crops.
Continuous heavy rains and the aftermath of Cyclone Fengal have wreaked havoc across Tamil Nadu, causing landslides, floods, and significant disruptions to daily life in multiple districts, including Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, and Nilgiris.
Several areas remain under water, rescue operations are underway, and both local authorities and state leaders are grappling with the aftermath of this natural disaster.
Villupuram district has been one of the hardest hit, with flooding from the Malattar River submerging entire villages such as Melthaniyalampattu near Arasur. Residents are trapped in their homes, unable to leave, and have appealed for immediate relief measures.
The Meteorological Department has forecast continued heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu, especially in the Nilgiris and coastal regions. Officials have urged residents to remain cautious and adhere to safety instructions.
The devastation caused by Cyclone Fengal and the persistent rainfall highlights the urgent need for improved disaster management infrastructure in Tamil Nadu. As rescue and relief efforts continue, the state faces the daunting task of rebuilding lives and communities in the wake of this calamity.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Nitika Shivani)
