Rajya Sabha MP K Chiranjeevi on Wednesday demanded that the cyclone Hudhud, which devastated the North-Coastal Andhra districts on October 12, be immediately declared a National Calamity by the Central Government.
“Many experts have already declared that the destruction caused by Hudhud is incomparable in the last 50 years. According to an estimate, Vishakapatnam City alone has incurred damages to the tune of Rs. 60,000 crore. Some government divisions have unofficially declared that the districts of Srikakulam, Vijayanagaram, Vishaka and parts of East Godavari have together incurred damages of up to Rs One lakh crore. Though the loss to human lives is minimal, the overall damages is beyond comparison,” he said.
Thanking Prime Minister Narender Modi for announcing immediate assistance of Rs 1000 crore, the Congress leader also sought an assurance that the cyclone would be declared a National Calamity. Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, who sought an immediate release of Rs 2000 crore, should pressurize the center for more funds and assistance. He also announced Rs 50 lakhs from MP LADS as relief to the victims of the cyclone.
Chiranjeevi said that he would visit the cyclone-hit areas on October 19 and 20th. (INN)