Big B urges people to come forward to help rebuild TN

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has urged people to come forward and help victims of severe cyclonic storm Gaja. Superstar-politician Kamal Haasan thanked him for being the "thread which stitches our country together."

About a dozen districts of Tamil Nadu were severely affected by the cyclonic storm, which took place on the intervening night of November 15-16.

Kamal Haasan, who has visited the cyclone-ravaged areas of the state, shared the video of Big B pitching in for the cyclone Gaja survivors and thanked him for the gesture.

"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 the union territory of Puducherry," Amitabh said in the 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 percent 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 have extended help but support from volunteers, social organisations and socially conscious individuals would go a long way in helping affected people."

Big B feels "the spirit of one nation" is cardinal to the prosperity and unity of India.

"Many of us are unaware of the extent of damage caused by cyclone and suffering of the people. This is the time to bring out the spirit of brotherhood. Come forward to help our own."

Kamal thanked Big B.

"You have clearly explained the devastation the Gaja Cyclone has wreaked 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," he posted on his social media.