PM Modi announces Rs 1,000 cr immediate relief for Tauktae ravaged Gujarat

New Delhi/Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced Rs 1,000 crore financial assistance for immediate relief activities in Gujarat.

Mr Modi made the announcement after conducting an aerial survey of the affected areas in Una (Gir - Somnath), Jafrabad (Amreli), Mahua (Bhavnagar) in Gujarat & Diu, and holding a review meeting with Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and top officials to assess the damage caused by the cyclone.

He also announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin deceased and Rs 50,000 to the seriously injured in the cyclone related incidents in the States of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and the UTs of Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

"Undertook an aerial survey over parts of Gujarat and Diu to assess the situation in the wake of Cyclone Tauktae. Central Government is working closely with all the states affected by the cyclone," the Prime Minister tweeted.

"Ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to Cyclone Tauktae in all the affected states. Rs 50,000 would be given to the injured. GOI is in full solidarity with those affected and will provide them all possible support," Mr Modi added.

The Union Government will deploy an Inter-Ministerial Team to visit the state to assess the extent of damage in the State, based on which further assistance will be given, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

The Prime Minister assured the people of the State that the Union Government would closely work with the State Government at this difficult time, extend all possible assistance for restoration and rebuilding of the infrastructure in the affected areas.

During his visit, Mr Modi also took stock of the situation relating to the Covid pandemic. The state administration apprised the PM of the response measures being taken and the PM stressed the need to ensure that preventive measures should also be taken.

At least 13 people were killed in Gujarat as cyclone Tauktae pummelled parts of Gujarat uprooting 70,000 electric poles, over 80,000 trees, and damaging thousands of houses and roads.

Heavy rains triggered by the cyclone lashed many parts from the Saurashtra coast to North Gujarat with 46 talukas recording over 100 mm of downpour, while 12 were 150 mm to 175 mm of rains.

The intensity of the cyclone, which made landfall between Diu and Una town of Gir-Somnath district on Monday night, had weakened by today, but rains are likely to continue. (UNI)