The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : South Korea conveys sympathy

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jan 07, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

South Korea conveys sympathy

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, JAN. 6. South Korea has expressed its "deepest sympathy" over the devastation and loss of a large number of lives in Tamil Nadu.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, its Ambassador to India, Choi Jung-il, said: "No amount of words can describe our feelings about the destruction of life and property resulting from the unprecedented natural calamity. I earnestly hope for the speedy relief and rehabilitation of the victims."

Pointing out that several Koreans were travelling to all parts of the country, Mr. Choi Jung-il said the Korean Embassy was concerned at their safety and "would like to work with your Government to ensure the safety and security of Koreans in your State."

Ashok Leyland belonging to the Hinduja group donated Rs. 1 crore. R.J. Shahaney, chairman, and R. Seshasayee, managing director, handed over two cheques for Rs. 1.13 crores (the additional amount being the contribution from employees) to Ms. Jayalalithaa. A company release said Lanka Ashok Leyland, an associate company, was involved in relief operations in the affected areas on the island.

The company donated two special vehicles, which were handed over to the President, Chandrika Kumaratunga.

P.R. Ramasubrahmaneya Rajha, Chairman and Managing Director of Madras Cements, and Lennart Kotsalainen, Chief of Mission, United Nations High Commission for Refugees, New Delhi, presented cheques for Rs. 51 lakhs and Rs. 21.65 lakhs to the Chief Minister, according to an official release.

Centre's assistance

In the tsunami-hit areas of coastal States, the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas released an additional supply of kerosene of 10,000 kilolitres each to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, 7,000 kilolitres to Kerala and 400 kilolitres to Pondicherry, according to an official release.

The Centre deployed two Chetak helicopters, two Dornier aircraft, two naval ships and one Coast Guard helicopter at Nagapattinam. The Union Minister, R. Anbumani, was coordinating with State authorities in providing medical relief and prevention of an epidemic outbreak.

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