PM Modi asks MHA to release in advance Centre’s contribution to SDRF to cyclone hit AP, TN

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to release in advance the second instalment of the Centre’s contribution to the SDRF of Rs 493.60 to Andhra Pradesh and Rs 450 crore to Tamil Nadu in view of the floods caused by cyclone Michaung, Union Minister Amit Shah said.

In a post on X, Shah said the prime minister has also approved the first urban flood mitigation project of Rs 561.29 crore for ‘Integrated Urban Flood Management activities for Chennai Basin Project’ under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF), which also includes central assistance of Rs 500 crore.

The severe cyclonic storm Michaung has affected Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Though the extent of damage is varied, many areas of these states have been inundated, affecting standing crops, the minister said.

The severe cyclonic storm Michaung left behind a trail of destruction in Andhra Pradesh, damaging 770-kilometre roads, uprooting trees and killing livestock.

According to data shared by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), nearly 40 lakh people from 194 villages and two towns were affected by Michaung’s impact, including the inundation of 25 villages.

In Tamil Nadu’s capital city Chennai, residents are grappling with stagnant water and power disruption in several areas and its suburbs after Michaung wreaked havoc in the metropolis and neighbouring districts.