Cyclone Nisarga caused extensive damage in Raigad, says Uddhav

Shiv Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, June 5

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday admitted that Cyclone Nisarga earlier this week caused extensive damage to property even though only six lives were lost.

“Despite our best efforts six lives were lost due to the cyclone.

However, it caused substantial damage to property,” Thackeray said while visiting Raigad district where the cyclone made landfall on Wednesday. “We have ordered an immediate inquiry to access the damage

caused by Cyclone Nisarga. The government will provide Rs 100 cr as emergency relief,” Thackeray said.

Thackeray accompanied by his son and colleague Aaditya and other ministers like Aslam Shaikh, Aditi Tatkare and various officials boarded a Ro-Ro boat from Mumbai to Alibaug across the Arabian Sea

from where they toured the cyclone-hit areas.

The CM said officials who were asked to file a report on the damage caused by the cyclone in two days will take longer time as the damage caused has been widespread. He added that funds will be disbursed among affected villagers as soon as possible. He also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin who died in mishaps caused by the cyclone.

Addressing the media, Thackeray said the government has earmarked Rs 100 cr as emergency relief and a full package will be worked out after assessing the losses.

According to officials, the cyclone damaged powerlines and telecommunication equipment. Restoration of services will take several days as the authorities were still mobilizing labour, sources said.

Preliminary information available from the Raigad district officials indicate that several lakh homes have been damaged and more than one lakh trees, including entire mango and coconut orchards have been

uprooted. Local residents have reported destruction of power sub-stations and washing away of fish farms apart from sea-water ingress in more than 5000 hectares of farm land.