Uddhav announces Rs 100 crore aid for cyclone-hit Raigad

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray today announced an immediate financial relief of Rs 100 crore for Raigad district, which bore the brunt of cyclone Nisarga three days ago.

The chief minister made the announcement while on a visit to Alibaug taluka of Raigad district to take stock of the damage caused by the cyclone which skirted Mumbai but hammered the popular gateway, around 120 km from the financial capital of the country.

"For an immediate relief for Raigad district, I have announced Rs 100 crore assistance. This does not mean that there is a full stop with Rs 100 crore. We need to make an estimate. We will release whatever is required.

I don't want to declare a figure that's exaggerated or less. We will make an accurate estimate and however much is required will be allotted. I will consider the whole issue and I promise you that you will get help.

Just like Raigad, I will help the other districts too," said Mr Thackeray. The Chief Minister left for Alibaug - the tropical storm's landfall site on Wednesday- in the newly acquired Ropax ferry which was to begin services between the coastal town and Mumbai this summer.

The 59-year-old Shiv Sena chief has asked the district officials to provide an aid of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of those dead.

Mr Thackeray also ordered officials to ensure early restoration of electricity in Raigad district, where the uprooting of electricity poles has disrupted power supply. Six people were killed in the state due to cyclone-related incidents.

Uddhav Thackeray had on Thursday ordered officials to assess the damage caused by the cyclone and file reports on it in two days to assure people that speedy help is being provided to the farmers and villagers.

Thackeray will also hold a meeting with senior officials at the district headquarters in Alibaug, said his party.

The severe cyclonic storm blew away roofs and uprooted electric poles after it made its landfall in the Raigad district on Wednesday afternoon.

Along with Raigad, Pune and Ratnagiri, 14 other districts faced damages due to the cyclone. The cyclone - the second to strike India in two weeks - hammered houses, toppled trees and damaged the plantations of cashew in the region.