UT government was not ready for cyclone

PUDUCHERRY: Union Minister V Narayanasamy, on Sunday, said the state government did not take any precautionary measures despite an early warning about the possible strike of Cyclone Thane, which struck Puducherry and nearby areas on Friday morning.Addressing a press conference, he said the The Rangasamy government had totally failed the people and were indifferent in extending timely help to overcome the situation in the aftermath of the cyclone.Charging that the State government has failed in its duties, he said the people in the areas, which were visited by him and other PCC functionaries, had told them that none of the ministers had bothered to visit them in the aftermath of the devastating cyclone. He added that the officials, who went to many places to take video footages, did not render any help to them.The Union Minister and PCC functionaries visited Mudaliarkuppam, Manaveli, Thegaithittu, Thavalakuppam, Nallavdu on Saturday. They also visited Chinnakalapet, Periakalpet and other areas on Sunday morning.Narayanasamy said the fishermen in many of the areas  had lost their livelihood because of the damage to the mechanised, fiber boats and fishing nets. Despite the people facing extensive damages Narayanasamy claimed that he did not come across single official during his visit.Assuring that the Central government was ready to extend all possible assistance, the union minister urged the state government to make an assessment of the damage and submit a report immediately.He said the state government should request the Centre to send a panel to take stock of the situation and assess the damage.Speaking on the CM’s announcement of `2000 to all ration card holders, he said the measures taken by the state government was inadequate and urged the revenue local administration and PWD to coordinate well for the smooth conduct of the relief work.