Thu Dec 05 15:46:00 UTC 2024: **Puducherry Seeks ₹600 Crore in Central Aid After Cyclone Fengal Flooding**

PUDUCHERRY, December 5, 2024 – The Puducherry government has requested ₹600 crore from the central government to cover damages caused by severe flooding following Cyclone Fengal. Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, in letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, detailed the devastation caused by torrential rainfall (484 mm in Puducherry, 16.9 mm in Karaikal) between November 30 and December 1.

The release of massive amounts of water (2.12 lakh cusecs) from the Sathanur dam in Tamil Nadu, coupled with heavy rainfall, inundated villages in Bahour taluk. The Chief Minister reported widespread flooding, affecting all settlements along the Thenpennai River, forcing residents to remain indoors. All reservoirs in Puducherry and Karaikal are at full capacity, leaving riverside communities in fear of further flooding.

The Puducherry government estimates the total damage at ₹614.88 crore and urgently requests the ₹600 crore to begin relief and rehabilitation efforts, citing insufficient funds in the State Disaster Relief Fund. Mr. Rangasamy also called for a central team to assess the flood damage.

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