The Odisha government on Sunday announced an additional assistance of ₹5 crore for Kerala from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), besides 500 tonnes of polythene sheets for the flood-hit population.
“People of Odisha stand by the flood-affected people of Kerala at this hour of severe distress. Odisha knows what a natural calamity of this magnitude means to the common man,” said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, expressing deep condolences for the lives lost.
The State government had earlier sanctioned ₹5 crore for Kerala. Polythene sheets worth about ₹8 crore will be shortly sent to Kerala.
Odisha has sent as many as 244 fire service personnel trained in rescue operations, along with 65 rescue boats and other equipment.
Mr. Patnaik also directed the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) of Odisha to remain in touch with the authorities and extend help to all Odias stranded in Kerala. The SRC has sent a list of 187 Odias and their phone numbers to his Kerala counterpart Shyamal Kumar Das.
The State Labour Department has already rushed officials to Kerala to ensure the safety of Odia labourers affected by the floods.
