Big B urges people to support TN cyclone restoration efforts

“On the 15th of November 2018, the Gaja cyclone struck the coastal and delta districts of Tamil Nadu, leaving behind a huge trail of destruction in various districts of Tamil Nadu and union territory of Puducherry,” Amitabh said in a video.

He added: “The estimated number of people who have been rendered homeless is approximately 3.7 lakh and about 3.4 lakh homes have been destroyed. Between 60-80 per cent of coconut trees in the region have fallen, crippling the livelihood of farmers who contribute a quarter of India’s major share of coconut production.

“Lakhs of people have moved to relief camps, massive damage has been recorded...This is just an estimation....The damage is beyond imagination. The state and central government has extended help but support from volunteers, social organisations and socially conscious individuals would go a long way in helping affected people.”

“This is the time to bring out the spirit of brotherhood. Come forward to help our own,” he said.

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has thanked Amitabh Bachchan for lending his voice in support of victims of Cyclone Gaja that devastated the delta districts of Tamil Nadu. Kamal appreciated Amitabh’s efforts to draw attention to the crisis in the region by stating: “Thank you Amit ji. You have clearly explained the devastation the Gaja Cyclone has wrecked in Tamil Nadu. It is always people like you who have been the thread which stitches our country together in spite of all its diversity.” 

The 64-year-old founder-president of Makkal Needhi Maiam has so far conducted two visits to the affected regions and has been calling out the lethargic response by the Central and State Governments in providing immediate necessities and in implementing a long-term plan for recovery in the region. Kamal is said to be considering a third visit to the region to develop a post-disaster management plan that can be employed in the future as well.