Search:



The Web

Rediff








 Latest News on mobile: sms NEWS to 7333

Home > News > Tsunami Strikes > PTI > Report


3,200 die in TN, Centre pledges all help

December 27, 2004 11:30 IST
Last Updated: December 27, 2004 16:00 IST


The Tamil Nadu government was doing its best for those affected by the devastating tsunami and the Centre was ready to provide all requested assistance, including special financial aid, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil said in Chennai on Monday.

Patil reviewed the situation with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

The killer waves took a toll of more than 3,200 people in the southern state alone, with Nagapattinam accounting for 1,700 deaths

Tsunami tragedy


Asia toll is 14,000 and rising

1 million rendered homeless in Lanka

Toll would have been less if...

Pictures of the tragedy

India caught off guard


"The state government is doing its best. We are also willing to provide all requested assistance," Patil, who arrived in Chennai to take account of the destruction in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry.

He said the state was now looking for logistic and transport facilities like aircraft and helicopters for rescue operations.

"We are too willing to provide it," he said.

As far as special financial assistance was concerned, the Centre would be providing it, Patil said adding that he would undertake a tour of the affected areas to make an on the spot assessment and take a decision.

Soon after his arrival, Patil met the chief minister and her cabinet colleagues.

Patil also undertook an aerial survey of the affected areas in south coastal Andhra Pradesh on Monday morning before proceeding to Tamil Nadu.

Patil, who had arrived in the city on Sunday night, met Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy and Revenue Minister Dharmana Prasada Rao and reviewed the devastation caused by the tsunami.

He assured AP that "whatever help and assistance is required from the Centre, we will give it to you."

He said that the Coast Guard, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force had been asked to help. Ships had also been deployed to help in rescue operations. Six helicopters had been made available to drop food packets and other material.


© Copyright 2004 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.


Tsunami Strikes: The Complete Coverage

More reports from Tamil Nadu






Article Tools
Email this article
Top emailed links
Print this article
Write us a letter
Discuss this article










Copyright © 2004 rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved.