Search and Rescue Operations Will Continue: Nirmala Sitharaman

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Union defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman who visited the cyclone hit areas of Vizhinjam and Poonthura made it clear that the search and rescue operations will continue until the last fisherman who has gone to the sea is brought back.
“There will be no let up in search and rescue operations. I am conscious of the time. But I am hopeful that everyone can be rescued alive since fishermen who have been in the seas for the last 15 days have been brought back alive,” said the Union defence minister.
She appealed to the fishermen in Vizhinjam and Poonthura not to show their anger now towards the authorities but to support their efforts for the rescue operations. “I realise your loss and I am deeply grieved. We are doing our level best and even during the tsunami the government machinery had not acted like this. Hence trust us we will bring back your men,” she appealed to the fishing community while addressing them in Tamil.
The minister who was accompanied by state ministers Kadakamaplly Surendran and J Mercikutty Amma had discussions with the church leaders in Vizhinjam and Poonthura. The minister later assured the fishing community that the demand for including their men in the rescue operations will be accepted.
“Already 11 people from your side have been included in the rescue operations made by coast guard and air force. They have already left to the deep sea,” said Nirmala Sitharaman.
She said that specific instructions have been given to the state governments in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa to provide all security and help for the fishermen who have landed in their coasts. “I have spoken to Maharashtra chief minister and has urged him to do all steps to bring them back to Kerala,” she said.
Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reached Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday evening and moved to Kanyakumari to visit cyclone-affected areas there.