Cyclone Fani: Financial Assistance Released To Four States In India

Mumbai: The government of India has released financial assistance to four states to help them take preventative measures in response to Cyclone Fani.

The Indian Home Ministry released $155.4 million to the states of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal states following a decision by the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC).

The funds included $28.64 million for Andhra Pradesh, $48.78 million for Odisha, $44.28 million for Tamil Nadu, $33.71 million for West Bengal, according statement issued by home ministry said.

The severe storm in southeast Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm.

Authorities have also put the Indian navy on high alert.
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In a statement, a spokesman for the Indian Navy said, "Indian Naval ships at Visakhapatnam and Chennai are ready & standing-by to proceed to the most affected areas to undertake Humanitarian Aid Distress Relief (HADR), evacuation, logistic support including providing medical aid.

"These ships are embarked with additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats & relief material that include food, tentage, clothes, medicines, blankets etc, in quantities sufficient.

"Naval aircraft are also standing by at the Naval Air Stations INS Rajali at Arakkonam, Tamilnadu and INS Dega at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh to undertake reconnaissance, rescue, casualty evacuation and air drop of relief material to the stranded if required," they concluded.

India's Airforce also confirmed they were ready to provide assistance.