Fani death toll mounts to 29 in Odisha; Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Maha chip in

The death toll due to Cyclone Fani increased to 29 on Sunday (May 5), two days after the extremely severe cyclonic storm hit the state of Odisha, causing widespread destruction. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a relief package for those affected by the cyclone earlier in the day.

Various state governments on Sunday offered assistance to the Odisha government to expedite relief and restoration work in the state. While Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh announced an assistance of Rs 10 crore each on Sunday (April 5) morning, help came in from states like Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra later in the day.

While Gujarat government has offered an assistance of Rs 5 crore to Odisha for restoration work, the Chhattisgarh government has announced a financial aid of Rs 11 crore to the state. The Maharashtra government has offered a help of Rs 10 crore.

“The people of Odisha are facing unprecedented adversity due to #CycloneFani. The Gujarat has always stood by the people of the country. During this hour of crisis, the Govt Of Guj has announced an assistance of 5 Crore to the cyclone affected people of Odisha from CM Relief Fund,” Chief Minister Vijay Rupani tweeted.

A Chhattisgarh government statement said Baghel had spoken to Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik and assured him of all support. The statement said Rs 11 crore will be given to Odisha from the CM’s Relief Fund.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said his government will contribute Rs 10 crore to Odisha for relief and rehabilitation measures post cyclonic storm Fani. “Maharashtra stands firm with the people of Odisha. The state government will contribute Rs 10 crore towards the relief and rehabilitation measures in different parts of Odisha affected by cyclone Fani,” he said.

The Odisha government has mounted massive restoration work across 10,000 villages and 52 urban areas ravaged by the storm, affecting nearly one crore people. Fani barrelled through Odisha on Friday, unleashing heavy rain and winds of up to 175 kmph, killing at least 29 people, blowing away thatched houses and swamping towns and villages. The Odisha government has mounted massive restoration work across 10,000 villages and 52 urban areas ravaged by the storm, affecting nearly one crore people.