Jayalalithaa writes to PM seeks flood relief funds

In the wake of the heavy rain-induced floods that have left around the city reeling from extensive damage, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Monday sought the Centre's aid by seeking funds for immediate relief and restoration works.

"I write enclosing a copy of the Government of Tamil Nadu's detailed Memorandum seeking assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund and from other Central funds towards the cost of immediate relief and restoration works and the extensive damage suffered in the aftermath of extremely heavy rainfall in different districts in the month of November, 2015," Jayalalithaa wrote to Prime Minister Modi.

She also thanked the Centre for promptly dispatching additional services of the National Disaster Response Force, Army, Air Force, Navy and the Coast Guard who assisted wherever the need was felt.

The Chief Minister in her letter emphasised that the floods have left a trail of damage and destruction and may parts of the state have been severely affected due to flooding

"The requirement of funds for immediate rescue and relief and the temporary and permanent restoration of infrastructure has been worked out at Rs.8,481 crores in all. In the meanwhile, I request that an on account release of Rs.2,000 crores may be sanctioned immediately to enable the State Government to sustain the relief and restoration operations with the same vigour," she said.

Keeping in view the urgency of the situation, Jayalalithaa has also requested the Centre to dispatch a team immediately to make its on-the-spot assessment of damages and to release central financial assistance without any delay.