Cyclone Fengal claimed 40 lives: T.N. Governor’s address

Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi. File
| Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj

Cyclone Fengal that hit Tamil Nadu last month and left behind a trail of destruction in many northern districts, has claimed 40 lives, according to the address of Governor R.N. Ravi, which was tabled in the Assembly on Monday (January 6, 2025).

The Governor urged the Union government to release a sum of ₹6,675 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund.

Though the Governor left the Assembly hall a few minutes after he commenced his customary speech in the first session of this year, Speaker M. Appavu read out the Tamil version of the Governor’s speech prepared by the Tamil Nadu government.

The Tamil Nadu government has provided a compensation of ₹2,000 each for families severely affected by the disaster, the Governor said and further contended: “However, since more funds are required to meet the temporary and permanent relief and restoration needs in the aftermath of cyclone Fengal, we urge the Union government to release a sum of ₹6,675 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund.”

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The challenge of providing the essential infrastructure and services in the State was exacerbated by the recurring natural disasters, including cyclones, torrential rains and unprecedented flooding, he said. “The intensity and frequency of these extreme weather events have significantly increased, with some areas in the State receiving an entire year’s cumulative rainfall within 24 hours,” the Governor said.

Despite the State’s best efforts in mitigation, planning and preparation, these climatic anomalies are causing considerable damage to the livelihood of people and infrastructure of the State. Cyclone Fengal, which affected 14 districts, claimed 40 lives and causing widespread damage to the property and infrastructure in these areas, he said.