The Central Government has sanctioned ₹944.8 crore to Tamil Nadu as relief assistance for those affected by Cyclone Fengal. The funds, released under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), were approved in two installments, according to an official statement by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The move reflects the Centre’s commitment to supporting states during natural disasters, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasizing solidarity in mitigating citizens’ hardships.
Cyclone Fengal struck northern Tamil Nadu districts, including Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Kallakurichi, causing widespread devastation. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin reported that over 69 lakh families and 1.5 crore individuals were severely affected. The state’s initial damage assessment pegged the requirement for temporary restoration at ₹2,475 crore. In a letter to the Centre, Stalin requested an interim relief package of ₹2,000 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) as a single disbursal, citing the disaster’s unprecedented scale.
An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) was deployed to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for an on-the-ground evaluation of the damages caused by the cyclone. Following their assessment, the Centre is expected to allocate additional financial aid from the NDRF in accordance with established procedures.
The ₹944.8 crore allocation to Tamil Nadu is part of a larger nationwide disaster relief effort. The Centre has released over ₹21,718.7 crore this year to 28 states, including ₹14,878.4 crore from the SDRF to 26 states and ₹4,808.32 crore from the NDRF to 18 states. Additional disbursements include ₹1,385.45 crore from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to 11 states and ₹646.546 crore from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) to seven states.
Apart from financial support, the Central Government has provided logistical assistance, including the deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, Army units, and Air Force support to cyclone and flood-affected regions. These measures aim to complement state efforts in disaster response and recovery.
Cyclone Fengal’s destruction underscores the need for robust disaster management strategies. Tamil Nadu’s appeal for further assistance highlights the strain on state resources in responding to such large-scale calamities. With financial and logistical support from the Centre, the state hopes to expedite relief and restoration efforts for affected communities.
