The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Shinde promises help to tsunami-affected

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jan 05, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Shinde promises help to tsunami-affected

By Our Staff Reporter

NELLORE, JAN. 4. The Governor, Sushil Kumar Shinde, told the tsunami-affected people of Nellore district that the Government shared their concern and had taken up appropriate relief measures. The Governor assured them that he would take to the notice of authorities the pressing needs of people.Addressing the residents of Pallepalem, one of the worst hit villages, 18 km from here on Tuesday, Mr. Shinde, expressed anguish over the tragedy. "So many people were affected by the tidal wave, and I feel sad," he said. He pointed out that people in these parts had not even heard about tsunami.

The December 26 tsunami, whose epicentre lay around the Indonesian coast was such a catastrophe that its severity could not be sensed in advance, so as to save the people.

`Black Sunday'

December 26 will always be remembered as a `Black Sunday', he added.

The Governor complimented the people for rising to the occasion and remaining optimistic, despite difficulties. The Government, he assured the gathering, was working out a plan to supply rice and provide work for the affected.

He said in Maharashtra too, there were five districts, which did not have proper fish reserves and the fishermen there were deprived of their livelihood. The situation here was also similar, he said.

Earlier he distributed 50 kg of rice and Rs. 100 each to 25 persons and also handed over nets to 17 girijan fishermen. In all 322 persons were provided with relief in Pallepalem.

Rice, cash distributed

The former Chief Minister, N. Janardhana Reddy, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, P. Lakshmi, State Minister for Primary Education, N. Rajyalakshmi, and Sarvepalli MLA, A. Prabhakara Reddy, spoke about the trail of devastation left behind by tsunami.

The Governor's speech in Hindi was translated into Telugu by the Joint Collector, N. Sridhar. At the Narasapur helipad, Mr. Shinde went round the photo exhibition depicting the tsunami tragedy, arranged by the Information and Public Relations Department.

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