New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced financial assistance of Rs 1,000 crore to Odisha, West Bengal and Jharkhand for immediate relief activities in the areas hit by cyclone ‘Yaas’.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the seriously injured in the cyclone was also announced by the PM in Bhubaneswar during a review meeting to assess the damage caused by cyclone Yaas, an official release said.
Among financial assistance of Rs 1,000 crore, Rs 500 crore would be immediately given to Odisha. Another Rs 500 crores have been announced for West Bengal and Jharkhand, which will be released on the basis of the damage, it said.
Prior to the meeting, Prime Minister undertook an aerial survey of the cyclone-affected areas in Bhadrak and Baleswar districts of Odisha, and Purba Medinipur in West Bengal.
He assured the people of Odisha, West Bengal and Jharkhand that the Union Government would closely work with the State Governments at this difficult time, extend all possible assistance for restoration and rebuilding of the infrastructure in the affected areas, the release said.
He expressed his complete solidarity with all those who suffered due to the cyclone and expressed deep sorrow to the families who have lost their kin during the calamity.
PM Modi appreciated the preparedness and disaster management activities by the Government of Odisha which has resulted in minimal loss of lives, the release said.
He also noted that the state has embarked on long term mitigation efforts for dealing with such natural disasters.
He also mentioned that Disaster Mitigation has been given emphasis by the Finance Commission too by provisioning for mitigation funds to the tune of Rs. 30,000 crore.
“We have to continue the focus towards more scientific management of disasters. As the frequency and impact of cyclonic systems are increasing in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, communication systems, mitigation efforts and preparedness have to undergo a major change,” PM said.
He also spoke about the importance of building trust among people for better cooperation in relief efforts.
