CPI(M) Polit Bureau has issued the following statement on November 19

ABOUT 50 persons died and public infrastructure and private properties in about ten districts was damaged as cyclone Gaja wreaked havoc in Tamil Nadu.  The cyclone also led to the shifting of about one lakh people to relief camps in Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Trichi, Dindigal, Theni  districts.  The cyclone had caused damages to hundreds of houses, felled over more than 5,000 trees and about 13,000 electric poles across the state. Life was severely hit as the supply of electricity and essentials was disrupted and transport was affected.

The state and the central government should take all possible steps for rescue, relief and rehabilitation of all those who are affected. The central government should provide adequate financial help to the state.

The Polit Bureau calls upon all Party members and sympathisers to join hands for rescue and relief activities.