PM Modi announces Rs 1,000 crore aid for cyclone-hit Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a one-day aerial visit to Gujarat to take stock of the situation in the state following the devastating Cyclone Tauktae. He boarded a helicopter from Bhavnagar to inspect the situation after the cyclone. After 1 hour and 50 minutes of aerial observation, a review meeting was held in Ahmedabad with Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and senior secretaries of state. The meeting was attended by Chief Minister’s Chief Secretary K. Kailasanathan, Chief Secretary Anil Mukim; Principal Health Secretary Jayanti Ravi joined the meeting.

After this review meeting, PM Modi announced immediate assistance of Rs 1,000 crore to Gujarat against the loss of crores caused by the cyclone. In addition, Rs 2 lakh has been announced for those who died during the hurricane across the country and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

The PM conducted aerial inspections in Una (Gir-Somnath), Jafrabad (Amreli), Mahuva (Bhavnagar) and Diu to assess the damage caused by the cyclone. After this meeting, he announced immediate assistance of Rs 1,000 crore to Gujarat.

The Central government will then send a team of ministers to each of the cyclone-affected states. This team will further take stock of things, based on which more help will be given.

Assuring the people of Gujarat, PM Modi said that the Central government is with the state government in these difficult times. Whatever help is needed in the affected areas will be provided. This includes everything from repairing houses to building new ones, the PM said.

Apart from this, PM Modi also discussed in depth the current Covid-19 situation. The PM was apprised of the steps taken by the state administration. The PM advised to take further steps to prevent the transition.

PM Modi had arrived at the Ahmedabad airport after conducting the aerial inspection of the areas affected by cyclone Tauktae in Gujarat. PM Modi held a meeting with the top officials, including the CM, at the Ahmedabad airport.

Cyclone Tauktae has wreaked havoc in many places after hitting the coast of Saurashtra. From Saurashtra to many districts of South Gujarat, 5 inches of rain have fallen in 8 hours. Roads have also been blocked with trees collapsing due to strong winds. Heavy rains have been recorded in Bhavnagar, Valsad, Surat, Amreli, Bharuch, Anand, Ahmedabad and other districts in the state.

According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, Gandhinagar, 176 talukas in 23 districts of the state received heavy to moderate rainfall from 6 am to 2 pm today, including 5 inches in Bhavnagar taluka, 4.8 inches in Umargam, 4.5 inches in Olpad and 4 inches in Rajula. Botad and Surat received 3.7 inches of rain, Ahmedabad received 3 inches, Sinhor 3.6 inches, Hansot, Palitana, Pardi and Vallabhipur 2.9 inches, Umrala 2.7 inches and Vapi 2.5 inches.

A brother-sister duo, Vishnubhai Chunara and Manjuben Chunara, died due to electrocution following storms and rains in Sanand city of Ahmedabad district. In Ahmedabad district, roofs and mud houses have also reportedly collapsed due to strong winds and rains.