Andhra Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Monday, visited the site of the building collapse and met with the kin of victims, who are staying nearby, at a government school. He then visited Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, where the injured are being treated.
Mr. Naidu was briefed by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel on the death toll and rescue efforts. He then went to the Government Adi Dravida Welfare High Secondary School, a few metres away. When he entered, family members of the victims from Andhra Pradesh — nearly 300 of them — began clapping and cheering. After announcing an ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured hailing from the State, he sanctioned Rs. 25,000 to help the families meet expenses.
“I appeal to the Centre to allow a special rescue team from Andhra to assist in the search for victims. Those who wish to go back to their districts will be provided work and rehabilitation,” he said, adding that he had asked his officials to stay on until rescue operations are complete.
ADVERTISEMENT
Mr. Naidu then visited the injured, who are receiving treatment at SRMC, and interacted with the patients and their kin. Earlier, the Ungalukagha Charitable Trust provided drinking water, bedsheets and towels to the families who had come from Andhra Pradesh.
Politicians K. Chiranjeevi and R. Sarathkumar also visited the site.
Later on Monday evening, Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi leader Thol. Thirumavalavan visited the site. “The Central government should provide special rescue teams. The CMDA’s role should not just stop with approval. They should also conduct checks of the site, and ensure the labourers are working in a safe environment,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Monday announced an additional solatium of Rs. five lakh each to the families of four workers from the State who died in accident.
This would be in addition to the Rs. two lakh each given to the families, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister
(Additional reporting by Serena Josephine M. and T. Ramakrishnan)