KOCHI: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday urged people against taking an emotional view that could complicate relief measures in coastal areas after Cyclone Ockhi. “No one should take a stand that makes solution to the problems impossible. It is a very sad situation and this is a time for resolution. If we don’t try it now, we won’t get another chance for that,” he said while inaugurating the 20th anniversary and fourth mega convention of the Christian Service Society (CSS) International here. The Chief Minister also pointed out that this is not an occasion to point an accusing finger at someone or score points over someone.
“There are people who do that. They try to emotionalise the issues. Everyone should realise that doing this won’t solve problems,” Mr Vijayan said. He also said that the state government did all it could in the face of cyclone. “We could not save everyone, but several lives were saved. We need to give succour to the affected. A sense of sharing is the need of the hour. Tears are natural at this time, but they should not blind us and the path ahead,” the Chief Minister said and sought co-operation of everyone as the government moved forward with relief and rescue. He said the current search operations will continue for another 10 days and the government expects at least Rs 300 crore immediate relief from the Centre.
A Central team is also expected. “Such a largescale rescue and relief operation has not been undertaken in the state,” the Chief Minister added. A total 2,600 lives including that of 1,200 from Kerala were rescued. He also said that families of those who lost lives have been given '20 lakh. He also said that the media in Tamil Nadu congratulated Kerala government for its relief and rescue.
