CHENNAI: Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Sunday expressed dissatisfaction with the Central Government's response to the State's plea for assistance to take up relief and rehabilitation measures.

Ms. Jayalalithaa, who visited areas affected by floods in and around Chennai, told reporters at Velachery that the Centre provided Rs. 500 crores when the State had sought Rs. 3,000 crores.

Subsequently, the State asked for Rs. 13,685 crores, 2.58 lakh tonnes of rice and 43,200 kilolitres kerosene. Considering the damage caused by the torrential rain and floods, the Centre's allocation was not sufficientat all, she said.

To a query on the Central response to the flood situation, she said, "How can we be satisfied with this response?You have seen for yourself the extent of damage. I have visited most of the badly affected areas. Central teams have come here twice and surveyed all the affected places. The President has also made an aerial survey. The President and the Central teams have seen for themselves the havoc wrought by the floods. The Central team is yet to submit its final report to the Central Government."

"Manmohan knows the situation"

Asked if she planned to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to highlight the seriousness of the situation, she said: "The Prime Minister is aware of what is going on." He had spoken to her over telephone and assured the State of all possible assistance, she said.

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