Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Modi, while visiting the disaster-stricken state of Kerala, grants an interim relief of 500 crores following the state government’s request. The state had demanded an immediate assistance of 2000 crores, to which the centre has now responded with 500 crores. This fund is apart from the 100 crores granted earlier this week.

According to the reports released by Chief Minister’s Office, gross loss marked in the state till date is 19,512 crores.  It is after explaining the severity of the loss claimed by the disaster that the government went further to seek an immediate aid of 2000 crores. However, the recent decision was announced by the PM while attending an executive meeting in Kochi Naval Base, along with Governor P. Sadasivam, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister Alphonse Kannanthanam, Chief Secretary, other ministers and officials.

PM had reached the capital city yesterday, and travelled to Kochi in the morning to take stock of rescue activities through aerial survey. Even though the schedules were altered due to bad weather, PM monitored the flood-stricken areas in an army chopper later. He engaged in aerial survey above the affected areas of Ranni, Chengannur, Aluva, Pathanamthitta and Chalakkudi.

Also Read: PM’s visit delays rescue mission; Rescue team split up to ensure Modi’s security

While Prime Minister Modi visits the disaster-stricken areas of Kerala, his presence has posed serious hindrance in the coordination of the rescue mission in Eranakulam district. Despite the fact that the district is in need of unwavering attention from volunteers and rescue experts, Modi’s visit had forced the team to split up. A major set of people from this team were made use to prepare reports for the Prime Minister, rescue team members from Aluva told DoolNews.

Modi’s visit has also delayed the recue activities which were to be initiated early this morning. Many from the rescue team were asked to return and engage themselves in other services to assure the PM’s security within the state. Needless to say, this has also catalysed the delay encountered by the mission.