Cyclone Ockhi: Rahul Gandhi writes letter to PM Modi to take measures

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting to declare a comprehensive special financial package for the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshwadeep to undertake rehabilitation in the wake of Cyclone Ockhi.

"I request the Prime Minister for a special financial package for the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshwadeep to undertake rehabilitation and provide financial assistance to families of deceased fishermen for the after effects of Cyclone Ockhi," the letter read.

Rahul Gandhi emphasised the need to construct sea-walls and groynes in the vulnerable sea coasts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

"I am certain that the Government will look into it and address these issues as top priority. I also request for putting in place adequate measures for strengthening the weather update system and advance cyclone warning communication mechanism in the coastal areas," the letter added.

The Congress president pointed out that lakhs of fishermen in the coastal region depend solely on fishing and related activities as their only means of livelihood and they were vital economic resource for the Indian economy.

"I urge you to take holistic measures for ensuring housing, basic health services and quality education for their children. I am certain that the government will look into and address these issues as top priority," the letter concluded.

Earlier on Friday, demanding release of relief fund for kin of those killed in the Cyclone Ockhi, fishermen went on a hunger strike in Thiruvananthapuram and protested against the state government.

The death toll due to the cyclone, which hit the Kerala coast last month, mounted to 68 on Thursday.

The cyclone has left a trail of destruction in southern and western India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, killing 115 people and leaving over 100 missing.