Shocked over the scale of the disaster, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assured the affected states and Union territories of all possible assistance.
He also despatched Patil, Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar and Communication Minister Dayanidhi Maran to the affected areas to help monitor the situation.
The Centre's Crisis Management Group met and drew up an emergency plan to carry out relief and rescue operations.
A Coast Guard helicopter takes part in rescue operations in Chennai.
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