TN donates Rs 5 crore to Kerala; sends teams to assist in rescue ops

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday spoke to his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan on the landslides caused by heavy rainfall, assured him of the state's full support in rescue and relief efforts and announced immediate dispatch of a team to assist the neighbour.

The chief minister directed Tamil Nadu authorities to release ₹5 crore to the neighbouring state towards relief activities and tasked officials to send a rescue team to Kerala to assist it in its rescue and relief work.

Stalin, who spoke over phone to Vijayan, conveyed to him his condolences and sympathies over the loss of lives due to the natural disaster. He assured him that Tamil Nadu shall extend all necessary support, an official release said.

The Tamil Nadu team would comprise 20 personnel from the state Fire and Rescue Services, 20 from the state disaster response force and 10 doctors and nurses. They will work alongside Kerala rescue teams and the Chief Minister has directed the team to leave immediately for the neighbouring state, the release added.