India: Kerala CM offers assistance to cyclone-hit Odisha

Thiruvananthapuram, May 5 (PTI) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has extended solidarity to the people and the government of Odisha, which was hit by cyclone Fani.

Vijayan, in a letter sent to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Saturday, said Kerala would do everything possible to assist in relief and rehabilitation of the cyclone-affected.

The Kerala chief minister said Kerala and its people "offer all assistance" including provision of medical teams, fire and rescue services and state electricity board personnel if necessary.

"We will also be able to provide provisions, clothing, tarpaulins and other essentials in numbers that you may indicate. I have asked out state relief commissioner to be in constant touch with your state authorities to render any assistance that may be required," Vijayan had said in the letter.

"I take this opportunity to express our solidarity with the people of Odisha in these difficult times. Together, we shall overcome this calamity," Vijayan had said.

'Fani' hit Odisha Friday unleashing heavy rain and winds of upto 175 kmph, killing at least 29 people, blowing away thatched houses and swamping towns and villages.

The Odisha government has begun restoration work across 10,000 villages and 52 urban areas ravaged by the storm, affecting nearly one crore people.