PM Modi hails Odisha for evacuation before cyclone FANI landfall

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today praised the Odisha Government for evacuating more than a million people to safe places before cyclonic storm FANI hit the coast on May 3.

The PM expressed his full solidarity with the people of Odisha. He said that the Central Government is fully committed not only for providing immediate relief, but also to ensure rebuilding of the state.

He appreciated the resilience of the people and the fishermen living in the coastal areas of Odisha. He also expressed satisfaction at the excellent coordination between the Union and the State Governments which helped to minimise casualties.

Modi assured the people of Odisha that the Union Government stands shoulder to shoulder with them at this difficult time.

Earlier in the day, the PM undertook an aerial survey of Pipili, Puri, Konark, Nimapada and Bhubaneswar areas, which were badly hit by the calamity. Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also accompanied the Prime Minister in the aerial survey.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the senior officers of the State and Central Governments to take stock of the damage caused by the cyclone and the relief & rehabilitation measures being undertaken.

The PM announced immediate assistance of Rs 1000 crores for the cyclone-hit state. He promised of further assistance after assessment by an inter-ministerial Central team.