PM Manmohan Singh cancels visit to cyclone-hit Odisha, Andhra Pradesh

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has cancelled his visit to cyclone-hit Odisha and Andhra which was slated for today.

PMO sources said the visit was put off as the two states, which were hit by Cyclone Phailin on October 12, were still assessing the damage caused by it.

Singh was to travel to the two states and undertake aerial survey of the cyclone-hit areas. The Prime Minister was expected to make some announcement about financial aid.

He has already announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia to the kin of each of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured.

Reviewing the impact of the cyclone earlier this month, Singh had complimented the efforts of the authorities of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, relief workers, National Disaster Management Authority, National Disaster Relief Force and the Indian Meteorological Department, for preventive measures they took which resulted in containing the effects of the cyclone on human life.

The Prime Minister had earlier this week cited these disasters to press for urgent steps to improve disaster management capabilities.