PMK urges Centre to release flood relief

Puducherry, Feb 1 (UNI) Pattali Makkal Katchi Parliamentary Party leader Prof M Ramdass today urged the union government to provide financial assistance to the tune of Rs 34.51 crore to undertake rain relief works in Puducherry and Karaikal regions of the Union Territory.

In a letter to Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, a copy of which was released to the Press here, he pointed out that Puducherry and Karaikal regions were severely affected by the torrential rain from December 17 to 19 last. During the three days, almost one fourth of the annual rainfall had been recorded.

Prof Ramdass said the Puducherry administration had accommodated the affected people in schools and community halls and supplied as many as 1,51,000 food packets. The damage caused to 1,284 thatched houses was estimated at Rs 26 lakh. Crops in 13,998 hectares had been completely destroyed, causing a loss of Rs seven crore. Damage to 363.19 km of roads caused a loss of Rs 2,111.19 lakh.

Stating that the total loss was estimated at Rs 34.51 crore, he pointed out the Puducherry administration's plea for financial assistance and urged Mr Patil to intervene and take steps to release the amount immediately.

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