The UN Resident Coordinator in New Delhi informs that, according to latest newspaper reports, the total death toll in Kutch-Saurashtra region of Gujarat is rising alarmingly. The Minister of State for Home, Mr. Haren Pandya said that 1,126 bodies have been recovered until 18 June and the death toll could be as high as 3,000. About 1,745 persons are still missing and 893 are reported injured. A total of 5,853 animals have been reported lost.
Financial loss is estimated at Rs.
The Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee visited the Kutch area on 17 June for an aerial survey of damages caused by the cyclone. Concerned Central Ministries in charge of power, railways, telecommunications, surface transport and petroleum are taking the necessary steps to restore damaged infrastructure. About 330 medical teams have been deployed in the affected areas. Voluntary donations from several sources are reaching the State. Kandla Port Trust has announced a donation of Rs. 1 billion to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.