Tamil Nadu floods adjudged 'severe nature', says government

NEW DELHI: The Centre has accorded the status of 'severe nature' to the recent rains and flood disaster in Tamil Nadu in which 354 people lost their lives and over one lakh huts damaged, Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

"As per the information received from the state government, based on their preliminary assessment, 354 humans and 4,383 cattle have been lost and 1.17 lakh huts have been reported damaged due to floods during November-December 2015. ...keeping in view the intensity and magnitude of floods of November, 2015 in Tamil Nadu, it has been adjudged a calamity of a 'severe nature' for all practical purposes," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said in a written reply.

He said with regard to declaring a national disaster, it is informed there is no provision to declare a natural calamity as a "national disaster/calamity" in the guidelines.

"However, the Government of India adjudges a disaster/ calamity of 'severe nature' on case-to-case basis taking into account inter-alia the intensity and magnitude of the calamity, level of relief assistance, cope capacity of the state government to tackle the problem, the alternatives and flexibility available within the plan to provide succour and relief etc.

Rijiju added during a calamity of 'severe nature' additional assistance is also considered from the National Disaster Response Fund.