Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday announced Rs 1,000 crore financial assistance for immediate relief and restoration works in cyclone-ravaged Odisha and mooted a long term disaster mitigation plan for all the coastal states which are vulnerable to such calamities.
The Prime Minister made the announcement after conducting an aerial survey of some of the severely hit areas and reviewing the situation at a high-level meeting in the aftermath of the extremely severe cyclonic storm “Fani” that hit the landmass with a wind speed up to 240 kmph in Puri on Friday.
Noting that the centre had earlier provided Rs 381 crore in advance ahead of the cyclone, Modi said another Rs 1,000 crore is being released immediately keeping in view the requirement of the state to ensure speedy relief and restoration in areas affected by the disaster which has claimed at least 34 human lives so far.
A central team will soon visit Odisha to make a detailed assessment of the extent of damage caused by the cyclone, which has affected more than one crore people in over 14,000 villages of the state, so that further assistance could be provided for expeditious restoration. “A team of PMO (Prime Minister’s Office) which came with me, will also be stationed in the State to extend necessary help,” he said.
The Centre will also provide Rs two lakh each to the families of those killed in the cyclone, while each injured person will get Rs 50,000, he said adding the focus at present is on restoring normalcy in drinking water, power, communication and health care facilities.
Emphasising that men, machines and money are essential for speedy restoration and relief, the Prime Minister assured the state that adequate manpower, equipment as well as funds will be made available and both the Centre and state government will work in coordination to tide over the situation.
Noting that natural calamities like cyclone are a regular menace for states like Odisha, the Prime Minister said a long-term plan will be prepared for dealing with such disasters in all coastal states in the country. Odisha Government has been requested to prepare a blue-print highlighting their requirements which can be incorporated in the comprehensive plan, he said.
While commending Odisha government for the preparedness and evacuation of over 12 lakh people from vulnerable areas to safe places ahead of the cyclone, Modi said “Navee Babu (Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik) has done a good job.”
The Prime minister also praised the people of Odisha , particularly the fishermen, for paying heed to the government’s instruction before the disaster and moving to safe places such as cyclone shelters. “Shifting of more than 12 lakh people in a short span of time is not a small task, it’s a major job. It has minimised loss of life. If a building collapses, we can rebuild it, but loss of life is irreparable. This is my greatest satisfaction that human lives have been saved,” Modi said adding he had been constantly monitoring the movement of the cyclone despite his hectic election campaign schedules.
Noting that the Centre, weather department and Odisha government worked in perfect coordination to ensure full preparedness ahead of the cyclone, Modi said the Centre will provide all possible assistance to the state for speedy restoration and reconstruction operation in the ravaged areas.