Addressing a press conference, Rangasamy stated that Puducherry recorded an unprecedented rainfall of 48.4 cm for over 24 hours on December 1 till 9 am, describing it as a level of downpour “never before witnessed” in the region.
Rangasamy said the union territory has written to the Union Home Ministry, seeking ₹100 crore in central assistance.
The CM confirmed that four people lost their lives due to the cyclone and subsequent rainfall. He announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased.
Further, 3.54 lakh families will get ₹5,000 directly in their bank accounts under the public distribution system, he said.
Rangasamy noted that 10,000 hectares of farmland were impacted, with affected farmers eligible for compensation of ₹30,000 per hectare.
Dairy farmers will receive ₹40,000 for each cow lost and ₹20,000 for calves, he said, adding, “Fishermen who lost boats will get ₹10,000, while residents whose huts were destroyed will be compensated with ₹20,000 for fully damaged huts and ₹10,000 for partial damage.”
He also urged the Centre to dispatch a team to assess the extensive damage across sectors.
Rangasamy said 208 relief camps have been established, and 85,000 food packets have been distributed so far. He cautioned residents near the Sankarabarani and Pennaiyar rivers to move to safer locations due to water released from Tamil Nadu’s Sattanur and Veedur dams.
