PM announces Rs 1k-cr aid for Tauktae-hit Guj, toll 53

GANDHINAGAR: Assuring support from the central government to rebuild all infrastructure that suffered severe damage by cyclone Tauktae, PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced financial assistance of Rs 1,000 crore for immediate relief activities in Gujarat.
The death toll in the state climbed to 53 as the devastation began surfacing after the 28 hours of cyclone fury that swept the state beginning Monday night.Highest 16 deaths were reported from Amreli, Gir Somnath (9), Bhavnagar (8), Ahmedabad (7).
The government said 18 people have been injured while the number of those missing is yet to be assessed.
After conducting an aerial survey of cyclone-ravaged parts of the state on Wednesday, the PM also announced ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the dead and Rs 50,000 for those injured. In addition, the state will pay an ex gratia amount of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of those who died in the cyclone and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
The PM surveyed the UT of Diu, Una taluka of Gir-Somnath district, Mahuva taluka of Bhavnagar and Jafrabad taluka of Amreli. He was accompanied by CM Vijay Rupani, chief secretary Anil Mukim and additional chief secretary Pankaj Kumar.
This assistance will be applicable to people from all states that have been affected by the cyclone. The central government will shortly send an inter-ministerial team to visit Gujarat and assess the extent of damage in the state, based on which further assistance will be given, the PM said in Ahmedabad.
Modi said the Union government will work closely with the state government and extend all possible assistance for restoration and rebuilding of the infrastructure in the affected areas.
Immediate financial assistance for these states would also be given after the respective state governments share their assessments with the Centre.