Jayalalithaa conducts aerial survey of flood-hit areas in Chennai

Chennai/New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in Chennai and its suburbs on Thursday.

The Chief Minister, who was in a chopper, witnessed first hand the damage caused by the monsoon fury, officials said. Later she took stock of the issue with the senior officials, they said.

The Chief Minister wanted to undertake the exercise yesterday but could not do so because of bad weather and the inability expressed by the pilots.

She had yesterday detailed the various steps taken by the government to tackle the situation in Chennai and other flood-hit districts.

President Pranab Mukherjee expressed grief over the loss of lives in the flood tragedy in Chennai and hoped that the people of Tamil Nadu will overcome it with fortitude and dignity.

"Saddened by the loss of human lives & serious damage to infrastructure in Chennai due to heavy rains. My prayers and good wishes are with the people of Tamil Nadu during this difficult time," he said in a message.

The President said he was confident that the people of Tamil Nadu will overcome the tragedy with fortitude and dignity.

The President said he shares the grief of those who have lost their near and dear ones as he extended his sympathies to all whose lives have been affected.

"I appreciate the efforts of the state government, NDRF, civil society organisations and rescue workers as they continue to save lives and mitigate the suffering of the affected population.

"I call upon the state government and all other authorities to provide every assistance possible to the bereaved families as well as those affected," he said in his letter to Governor K Rosaiah.

"My prayers and good wishes are with the people of Tamil Nadu during this difficult time," he said.

Various ministers, including O Paneerselvam, have been deputed to take charge of the relief works in different districts.

Senior IAS officials have also been tasked to ensure that relief reaches the people in the worst-affected Chennai and other districts.