CM to send report to Centre seeking aid

CHENNAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday night called up Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and enquired about the damage caused by cyclone ‘Ockhi’ in coastal districts and promised to extend necessary assistance to Tamil Nadu.

The chief minister, after giving a detailed account of the relief and rescue operations being undertaken in the affected areas, informed the prime minister that a report will be sent to the Central government soon seeking financial assistance.

Palaniswami informed Modi that seven districts, particularly Kanniyakumari and Tirunelveli, had been severely affected by the cyclone and people living in low-lying areas had been shifted to safer places.

He said removal of fallen trees and repairing electricity poles were going on a war-footing to resume power supply at the earliest. While 76 fishermen had been rescued safely, efforts were on to trace 30 fishermen in 11 boats who were in mid sea.