Assocham appeals to industry to help cyclone victims

Industry body Assocham today appealed to its members and industrialists to come to the aid of thousands of people evacuated following the devastation caused by cyclone 'Vardah' which struck Chennai.
The chamber recommended the industry both in the public and private sectors to set up rapid response units under the aegis of their respective CSR divisions to collect donations to provide vital supplies like food, clothing, beds, blankets tarpaulins, water purification equipment and medicines for people who have been evacuated and shifted to relief shelters.
The hurricane-strength storm caused by cyclone Vardah uprooted trees, overturned cars and caused extensive damage to buildings, besides it has also significantly hit agricultural sector, destroying banana plantations, papaya groves, rice paddies and others thereby causing widespread destruction worth up to USD 1 billion, Assocham Secretary D S Rawat said.

Local fishery trade, poor supply of power and supplies due to logistics crunch in both urban and rural areas, extensive damage to crops due to incessant rains, loss of livestock, damage to private property, problems in ferrying passengers and transporting goods owing to cancellation of flights, trains, road blockades may significantly hit the regions economy, he added.
Rawat observed that the cyclone might also have a short-term impact on the Southern tourism industry, especially in Tamil Nadu which accounts for 10 per cent share in total investments attracted by hospitality sector across India.
Assocham also appealed to the insurance industry to constitute special teams to expedite settlement of claims of people hit by the cyclone.