Monday, November 28 2005 14:17 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Madurai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa today (Nov 28,2005) said the Rs.500 crore sanctioned by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, for taking up immediate relief works in flood-hit areas of the state was 'insufficient,' as the damage caused was enormous.

"It is insufficient and we had asked for an advance assistance of Rs.3000 crore," she said.

Jayalalithaa said a second central team to assess the damage would be visiting the state tomorrow (Nov 29,2005).

She also announced a relief package of Rs.1000 in cash, ten kg of rice, one litre of kerosene and a saree and a dhoti each to people in villages that had been inundated by rainwaters.

On loss to the crops suffered by farmers consequent to the inundation of their farmlands, the Chief Minister said an assessment would be made after the flood waters receded.

"Suitable compensation will be given based on that assessment," she said adding that cluster houses would be built for those who had lost their houses. Talking to reporters after disturbing relief to the flood-affected people at Thathaneri in this city, Jayalalithaasaid the relief sanctioned by the Centre today was only an advance.

"Though the Government had sought Rs.3000 Crore, it has received only Rs.500 Crore," he said.

She also said that she had only received 'unofficial announcement' about the interim relief and official announcement was yet to come.

Stating that the Prime Minister telephoned her to enquire about the flood damage, she said he did not, however, commit on the quantum of relief that the state would get.

Asked whether she would ask for more rice and kerosene, as there was more demand for these two commodities, she said, "We have asked for that also."