CHENNAI: Ahead of the conclusion of the northeast monsoon, the BJP-led Union government has released Rs 600 crore to Tamil Nadu as the second instalment of the disaster relief fund. In addition to this, the Centre had earlier released Rs 300 crore for flood mitigation works in the State.

Tamil Nadu receives rainfall during two monsoons every year — the southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon. To manage disasters caused by these monsoons, the Union government releases Rs 1,200 crore annually as disaster relief funds in two instalments.

"The Union government shares disaster relief funds with State governments. In Tamil Nadu, the first instalment of Rs 600 crore, along with Rs 300 crore for flood mitigation works, is usually released by July every year. After receiving the first instalment, the State received another Rs 600 crore as the second instalment by the end of December," a Revenue Department official said.

With the receipt of the disaster fund, the State government is preparing to disburse relief assistance to farmers affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Although there was no loss of human life, the cyclone caused damage to agricultural crops, severely impacting farmers. The State government has decided to provide relief to the affected farmers once the enumeration of crop losses is completed.

It may be noted that the Tamil Nadu government recently approved Rs 289.63 crore in relief funds to assist farmers whose crops were damaged by unseasonal rains and severe weather. The decision followed widespread crop damage across 5.66 lakh acres of agricultural and horticultural land due to unexpected rains in late 2024 and early 2025.