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Prime Minister Narendra Modi who undertook an aerial survey of the rain-devastated Chennai and neighboring districts announced extra Rs. 1,000-crore relief package besides earlier sanctioned Rs. 940 crore.

CM Jayalalithaa appreciated the gesture and appealed for "an ‘on-account’ release of at least Rs. 5,000 crore" on an immediate effect from the National Disaster Response Fund.Soon after the aerial survey, Mr. Modi said, “I have seen the damage and misery caused by the extremely heavy rainfall. The Government of India stands by the people of Tamil Nadu in this hour of need.”

After few hours, he tweeted, “We are all pained by the devastation in T.N. Took stock of the damage, on the ground & through an aerial survey.”

A release from the State Government said, “The Prime Minister agreed with the Chief Minister that the situation in Tamil Nadu was unprecedented and expressed concern at the seriousness of the situation. He said Chennai was a growth centre and anything that affected Tamil Nadu affected the whole country.”

On Thursday, around 3.25 lakh persons have been rescued in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore and Kancheepuram districts. Around 300 boats have been mobilized, 9.39 lakh persons were accommodated, 4,327 relief centres were opened and food packets were distributed to more 44.55 lakh people.

-Sumana