The National Crisis Management Committee, headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha, today reviewed the situation in rain and flood-ravaged Chennai and assured Tamil Nadu government of all possible help.

During the meeting, Sinha took stock of the availability of foodgrains in Tamil Nadu and directed Ministries of Food, Agriculture, Health, Telecommunication and others to provide all required assistance to the state government to deal with the flood situation in Chennai and nearby areas.

NCMC also had a video conference with Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary K Gnanadesikan who briefed it on the prevailing situation, official sources said.

The Cabinet Secretary assured the Chief Secretary that all required flood relief materials will be provided to the state government.

The Chief Secretary conveyed that as of now they have adequate arrangements and mechanisms to deal with requirements of drinking water, food, medicines, etc.

He also conveyed that the state government has mobilized a large number of fishermen boats for which services of personnel from Navy and Coast Guard would be required and the Ministry of Defence was asked to make suitable arrangements for this purpose.

Principal Resident Commissioner of Tamil Nadu Jasbir Singh Bajaj attended the meeting.

NDRF has already sent about 600 personnel and over 40 inflatable boats to be deployed in relief and rescue operations in Chennai.

Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrish too had a separate meeting with senior officials of the disaster management division and directed them to be in constant touch with Tamil Nadu government to provide necessary assistance.

Union Home Minister speaks to Jayalalithaa

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that he had spoken to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and took stock of the flood situation in Chennai and its neighbouring areas.

Singh said he has also spoken to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and requested him to ensure all help from the armed forces.

The Home Minister also spoke to Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangaswamy too regarding the flood situation there and assured all help.

Officials said the Home Ministry is closely monitoring the flood situation in southern states.

The Home Minister called up Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu too and enquired about the flood situation in the state. Singh assured Naidu of all possible help from the Centre.

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