Is the Centre Willing to Provide Funding for Cyclone Gaja Rehabilitation in Tamil Nadu?

The Congress on Tuesday urged the Centre to allocate adequate funds for the rehabilitation of those affected by Cyclone Fengal in Tamil Nadu and requested party workers in the state to assist the administration in relief efforts.

Cyclone Fengal, which began as a low-pressure area on November 23, caused widespread devastation across 14 districts, affecting 1.5 crore people and 69 lakh families. On December 1, when it made landfall, the cyclone brought winds of 90 km/h, damaging roads, power lines, and inundating homes in districts like Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and Tiruvannamalai.

"Is the Centre Providing Adequate Funding for Cyclone Gaja Rehabilitation in Tamil Nadu?"

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, in a post on X, expressed condolences to the families who lost loved ones and emphasised the urgent need for federal aid. "The Modi government should release additional funds through the PM CARES fund to support rehabilitation work," Kharge said.

He also highlighted that Karnataka is experiencing relentless rainfall and called on Congress workers to offer help to affected families.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, echoed Kharge's concerns. "The devastation caused by Cyclone Fengal in Tamil Nadu is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and whose homes have been damaged. I urge Congress workers to step forward and assist in relief efforts," he posted on X.

Congress general secretary and newly elected Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her condolences to the affected communities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. "My prayers are with the families facing immense loss and hardship. I appeal to our party workers to join hands with the administration in providing relief," she said.

The cyclone brought torrential rainfall to districts like Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai. Subsequently, Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, and Villupuram also experienced extreme weather, causing heavy flooding.

The interior districts of Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Ranipet, Vellore, and Tirupathur reported severe waterlogging and property damage, with thousands of residents displaced.