TN asks for Rs 48 bn aid from Central team

A central observers' team has arrived in Chennai to assess relief requirements for the tsunami-hit.

As a central observers' team arrived in Chennai on Tuesday to assess relief requirements for the tsunami-hit, Tamil Nadu made a request for 54,000 tonnes of food material and Rs 48 billion (over $1 billion) in aid.

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Led by AK Rastogi, the team of experts met Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and her Cabinet members.

Officials later told the media in Chennai that the government had sought expertise and aid also for projects to stop erosion of land by the sea in Nagapattinam, the worst affected district in Tamil Nadu.

"Our experts are from the department of fisheries, rural development, drinking water experts and agricultural advisors," Rastogi told the media, promising help.

The Jayalalithaa government specifically sought water treatment plants, generators and cranes.