Fengal havoc: PM Modi dials Tamil Nadu CM Stalin, assures full support amid crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin regarding the ongoing flood situation in the state. He extended his assurance of providing all necessary assistance to manage the crisis, government sources told LiveMint.

Earlier, Chief Minister MK Stalin criticized the Central government for not allowing MPs to discuss the cyclone’s impact in Parliament.

“In Parliament, MPs were not allowed to speak about Cyclone Fengal. As part of our responsibility, we are assessing the damages and will send a report. That is our duty and responsibility. It is also their responsibility to respond, but they are refusing to do so. Despite this, we are doing our best,” CM Stalin told reporters in Chennai, as reported by ANI.

He also criticized the Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami, saying that while the AIADMK leader continues to make accusations, the public is aware of how good the schemes of the state government are.

Meanwhile, all schools and colleges will remain closed in four districts of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday due to heavy rainfall from Cyclone Fengal. “All schools in the Nilgiris district will be closed on December 3, 2024, in view of heavy rainfall,” announced District Magistrate Lakshmi Bhavya on Tuesday.

As the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted more rains due to the cyclonic storm, Fengal, schools and colleges in Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Puducherry districts will also remain closed on Tuesday.

In other districts, such as Ranipet, Salem, and Tiruvannamalai, only schools will remain shut.

In Kallakurichi, schools under Thirukovilur Town, and in Krishnagiri, schools under Pechampalli, Uthangarai Taluk will also remain closed due to the rains.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a post on X, said, “Devastating news of Cyclone Fengal in Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones during this tragedy. My thoughts are also with those whose homes and property have been damaged. I urge all Congress workers in the state to step forward and help the administration in relief efforts wherever possible.”

In Villupuram district, 407 personnel from seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and eight State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams — 15 teams in total — are working on relief efforts.

(This is a developing story)