THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The reports quoting Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) that it had alerted the state government about the cyclone attack a day earlier, on November 29, were rejected by the latter on Monday. “The bulletins we received on November 29 were routine warnings. The world ‘cyclone’ was used only in the 8.30 am bulletin on November 30. Even that was a routine warning directing fishermen to be alert. Cyclone warnings are more specific. In such a scenario, the Chief Secretary takes immediate action including asking the police to prevent fishermen from going to the sea.
No such warnings were issued,” said the Chief Secretary’s office. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s office too rejected the reports that the PMO had alerted it about the cyclone attack earlier.
Latin church demands J3,500-cr relief package T’Puram: Latin Archbishop of Thiruvananthapuram M Soosa Pakiam said on Monday the Centre should announce a Rs 3,500-crore relief package. The Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Police should reserve 25 posts for fishers, he said.