PM Modi to visit Cyclone Ockhi effected areas

Chennai, Dec 19: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ockhi effected areas of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Lakshadweep that bore the brunt of the intense tropical cyclone, Ockhi, which claimed several lives and caused immense damage to crops and property.

Modi, who is on a one-day visit to these regions, will be in Kavaratti, Kanyakumari, and Thiruvananthapuram, where he'll review the status of relief operations.

The PM said yesterday his government has been monitoring the situation round the clock and ensuring proper rescue and relief operation."

Modi will also meet with officials in Kanyakumari, located at Tamil Nadu's - and mainland India's southernmost point.

MEETING WITH CM: Modi will meet Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan, Fisheries Minister J Mercykutty and other members of the Kerala Cabinet, Vijayan's office said.

NATIONAL DISASTER: Kerala wants central assistance to the tune of Rs 1,843 crore. It also wants the devastation caused by Cyclone Ockhi to be declared a national disaster. The state has asked for boat-owners help in locating missing fishermen.

Meanwhile, MK Stalin, the working president of Tamil Nadu's leading Opposition party, has urged Modi to give the state Rs 2,000 crore from the central fund. He said the AIADMK government had failed to seek central assistance.