Chief Minister pats Ministers, officials for smart handling of Nivar

The CM also had a special word of praise for Minister RB Udayakumar and Vellore Collector, A Shanmuga Sundaram.

Velachery, Mudichur and Varadharajapuram are low-lying areas and waterlogging have been a perennial problem during the deluge. The State had instructed the officials to work on permanent solutions that will address the flooding. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured necessary assistance for the cyclone-hit areas and the State will compensate those who have lost their dear ones and the livestock. Farmers affected by cyclone inundation will also be compensated, the CM said.

Meanwhile, Cuddalore Collector Chandra Sekhar Sakhamuri said about 5,000 acres of farmland have suffered inundation. Preliminary estimates had revealed that paddy cultivation in 4,000 acres is inundated. Similarly, 700 acres of groundnut and 300 acres of horticulture plants have also been damaged. Earlier in the day, the Collector also organised a sumptuous lunch for the workers of the NDRF and the SDRF who spearheaded the cyclone relief works.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had earlier spoken to Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on the Cyclone Nivar damage announced the despatch of Central teams to the rain-hit parts of the State. “Central teams are being sent to Tamil Nadu to assist in rescue and relief work,” the PMO said in a tweet on Saturday. “An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each would be given to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the injured,” another tweet said.