As Tamil Nadu grapples with the catastrophic consequences of Cyclone Fengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday to assess the extent of the damage and offer government support. According to official sources, Modi assured the state of full assistance to manage the crisis and pledged necessary resources for relief operations.
Despite this, Chief Minister Stalin expressed dissatisfaction with the central government’s response, particularly criticizing the refusal to allow Members of Parliament (MPs) to raise the cyclone’s devastating impact in Parliament. Addressing the media in Chennai, Stalin said, “MPs were not allowed to discuss issues related to Cyclone Fengal in Parliament. We are currently evaluating the damages and will send a detailed report, but it is also the Centre’s responsibility to act, and they are refusing to do so. Nonetheless, we are doing everything we can to mitigate the damage.”
In Parliament, Congress MP B. Manickam Tagore submitted an adjournment motion urging the government to establish an Emergency Relief Fund for the affected states. He called for ₹22,000 crore from the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) to aid Tamil Nadu and ₹2,500 crore for Puducherry, emphasizing the scale of the devastation and the need for urgent financial support to restore the region.
The cyclone has caused severe disruptions in the daily life of residents in the affected areas, prompting the closure of schools and colleges in several districts, including Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Puducherry. The Nilgiris district administration also announced school closures for December 3, as continued heavy rainfall is forecast by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Authorities have been on high alert, taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of residents.
Expressing solidarity with the victims, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shared a heartfelt message on social media, offering condolences to those who lost loved ones. He urged Congress workers to volunteer in the relief operations, emphasizing the need for community participation during such a critical time.
On the ground, extensive relief efforts are underway. In Villupuram, more than 400 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are engaged in search-and-rescue operations. Similar teams have been dispatched to Cuddalore and Tiruvannamalai, where landslides have posed additional challenges. Engineers from IIT are also working to assist with mitigating landslide risks and stabilizing affected areas.
Chief Minister Stalin provided further updates on relief operations, stating that 18 rescue teams, comprising 493 personnel, are deployed across the worst-hit districts. Over 7,700 people have been moved into 147 relief camps, where food, water, medical supplies, and other essentials are being distributed. Stalin personally visited some of the most affected regions in Villupuram and Kallakurichi, ensuring that relief materials reached those in dire need.
Cyclone Fengal made landfall on November 30, causing widespread devastation, and the state continues to battle the aftermath. Despite the immense challenges, authorities are prioritizing the safety of residents, conducting rescue and evacuation efforts, and ensuring relief materials reach the most vulnerable communities. As the situation unfolds, the state government has urged for continued support and cooperation from the central government, as well as from the public and NGOs, to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
