Chennai: Tamil Nadu on Monday sought Central assistance to the tune of Rs 1,500 from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to tackle the situation arising from the flooding and damage caused by heavy rains in Chennai, its neighbourhood and coastal districts.

Disclosing this, Chief Minister K. Palaniswamy told reporters that Modi, with whom he discussed the situation, promised him all assistance from the central government for relief and rehablitation work. He said the Prime Minister was apprised of the preparation of a plan to construct a drainage network to avoid flooding in Chennai, the neighbouring areas of Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur districts and in the coastal areas of Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur.

Earlier, on arrival from Delhi to attend the platinum jubilee celebrations of Tamil daily 'Dina Thanthi', Modi discussed the flood situation with the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and officials. He also made an aerial inspection of some areas from the helicopter from the airport into the city, Radhakrishnan said, recalling that Modi had undertaken a similar exercise during the 2015 floods.

"On landing in Chennai, Modi discussed the situation arising due to heavy rains and floods in Chennai and other parts... with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. He assured them all assistance from the Centre," the Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet. At least 14 persons lost their lives due to heavy rains in the state last week. (IANS)