Modi reviews relief operations in cyclone-affected areas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the status of relief and rehabilitation efforts in areas affected by cyclone Hudhud.

The prime minister was briefed on the extent of destruction, including the damage to infrastructure such as roads, railway lines, buildings, power and telecommunication lines due to the cyclone, an official release said here.

He was also given an overview of the status of relief operations and steps taken to ensure supply of essential commodities, including food, drinking water and fuel. He was informed that the extent of damage to standing crops will be assessed over the next few days.

Modi instructed top officials of the central government to continue to work closely with the affected states to ensure that there are no bottlenecks in relief and rescue work.

He also emphasized the need to document learnings from this cyclone and to put in place more precise drills and disaster management plans involving all stakeholders, especially in areas which are prone to such disasters, the release added.

Modi will also visit Vishakhapatnam Tuesday for a first-hand assessment of the situation there. He will also take an aerial view of the affected parts of Odisha, the release added.