Declare cyclone in Kanyakumari a national disaster: CM to PM

The Tamil Nadu government requested the Centre today to declare the cyclone in Kanyakumari district a 'national Disaster' and provide "necessary financial assistance" for restoration of infrastructure.
The magnitude of the damage caused by Cyclone Ockhi in the district is "humongous" and requires immediate intervention by the central government, Chief Minister E K Palaniswami said in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.
"As an immediate measure, the Cyclone Ockhi that severely affected Kanyakumari district may be declared as national disaster and necessary financial assistance may be provided for the restoration of the infrastructure", he said.
Stating that his government swung into action to restore normalcy in the district and initiated a detailed assessment of the damage caused, Palaniswami said that a detailed "memorandum" would be submitted to the Centre "separately".

"In this hour of crisis, we need your immediate benevolent support," he said.
Referring to his meeting with the local chiefs of the armed forces yesterday on search operations for fishermen who had ventured into sea before cyclone crossed the coast, Palaniswami said he requested them to continue search and rescue operations "till the last fisherman was rescued".
Palaniswami also requested Modi to direct the defence ministry to continue the search and rescue operations.