The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday sought a report from the State government on its efforts to restore electricity and other amenities in areas hit by Cyclone Gaja, and one from the Centre on the assistance being provided towards rehabilitation measures.

A Division Bench of Justices K.K. Sasidharan and P.D. Audikesavalu, while hearing a public interest litigation petition seeking a direction to expedite relief measures, directed the issuance of notices to the Centre and the State government.

The petitioner, G. Thirumurugan of Ramanathapuram, sought a direction to declare Cyclone Gaja a national disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Considering the impact of the cyclone, the State government should provide compensation of at least ₹25 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives, and ₹10 lakh each to those who had suffered injuries, the petitioner said.

Another plea

Another PIL filed in the Madras High Court sought to declare the havoc caused by Cyclone Gaja a national disaster under the Disaster Management Act of 2005.

The petitioner, S. Rajanikanth, sought ₹50 lakh each as relief to the families of fishermen who had lost their lives and concrete houses for families that had lost their shelter.