PM Modi calls SAARC nations to join hands for disaster preparedness

Stressing on the need of preparedness to deal with disasters in the South Asian region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he had proposed to his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif that all SAARC nations must hold joint exercises for disaster preparedness.

"After the earthquakes in Nepal, I called Prime Minister Sharif and suggested him that all SAARC nations must hold joint exercises for disaster preparedness. I am glad that Delhi saw a table talk exercise and a seminar workshop of best practices by all SAARC countries. This is a good beginning," he said.

Prime Minister Modi also expressed his concern over the floods in Tamil Nadu.

"Low pressure over southeast Bay of Bengal brought rains to Tamil Nadu that claimed 184 lives. However, rains continue to lash many parts of the state, including Chennai and its suburbs. Kelambakkam (Kancheepuram) and Kodavasal (Tiruvarur) received the maximum of 4 cm and 3 cm of rain, respectively." he said.

"The state has already received a rainfall of 483.6 mm, which is higher than the total rainfall it receives during the entire northeast monsoon season, which was 440.4 mm which went up to December," he added.

Prime Minister Modi said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has announced a relief of Rs. four lakh each to the families of the victims.

The Prime Minister had on November 23 instructed immediate release of financial assistance of Rs 939.63 crore to deal with the flood situation in Tamil Nadu.