The Tamil Nadu government on Sunday asked the Urban Development Ministry for a special package of Rs 4,500 crore to help restore urban local bodies worst hit by last week’s torrential rains. Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa apprised Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu of the extensive infrastructural damage caused by the floods, PTI reported.

“Urban local bodies, including Chennai Corporation, will require substantial assistance for restoration,” Jayalalithaa said, adding that the preliminary estimate required for relief work exceeds Rs 4,500 crore. She informed that the government planned to construct alternative housing for the 50,000 families who have lost their homes in the calamity. The project would require Rs 5,000 crore as funding, she said.

Naidu assured the people of Chennai of the Centre's support.