Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday conducted an aerial survey of areas hit by Cyclone Fani in Odisha. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Governor Ganeshi Lal and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

He undertook the aerial survey of Pipili, Puri, Konark, Nimapada and Bhubaneswar to review the situation arising out of Cyclone Fani.

PM Modi reached Odisha’s capital Bhubaneshwar earlier today to take stock of the districts affected by the extremely “severe storm” that wreaked havoc in the state on May 3.

The Prime Minister also held a review meeting along with the Odisha CM to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Fani and the relief and rehabilitation measures being undertaken. More than 35 people were reportedly killed in Odisha after cyclone Fani left a huge trail of devastation in the eastern state.

"I conducted an aerial survey today. We discussed how Centre and state governments will work together for restoration work in Odisha. We assured all possible help to the state government... Communication was very good between state and central government. I was also monitoring. The way people of Odisha and fishermen here complied with every instruction of government is praiseworthy," PM Modi said after the meeting.

He also said that the central government is fully committed not only for providing immediate relief, but also to ensure the rebuilding of the state.

“Naveen Patnaik did very good planning (for the cyclone). He has done great work. The central government will assist him and take the relief work forward,” he added.

The Prime Minister also appreciated the role played by technology including satellite imagery and advanced weather forecasting techniques in minimising loss of life. He said that the combination of technological capabilities and human interface has enabled last mile connectivity with the affected

PM Modi also lauded the state government's efforts in evacuating more than a million people to safety and the efforts of IMD to give an accurate forecast. He also expressed satisfaction at the excellent coordination between the Union and the State Government which helped to minimise causalities.

The Prime Minister assured that a central team will visit the state soon to assess the extent of damage to infrastructure, housing, fishermen and farms and relief to be provided to the State.  He directed the state and central Government officers of Power, Telecom, Railways to ensure restoration of services at the earliest.  He also directed the Road and Surface Transport Ministry to take effective steps for restoration work.

Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government refused to hold a review meeting with PM Modi to discuss the aftermaths of cyclone Fani in the state. The cyclonic storm had also hit several districts in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal but it did not cause much destruction there.

According to PMO sources, the Centre had written to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government proposing a review meeting between PM Modi and state government officials today, news agency ANI reported.

However, the state government allegedly rejected Centre’s request and said that the government officials are busy with election duty and hence the review meeting should not be held.

Cyclone Fani, pronounced 'Foni' made a landfall in Odisha on Friday morning before heading towards West Bengal and then Bangladesh on Saturday.

The Centre has announced a financial aid of Rs 1,000 crore to Odisha, which is in addition to Rs. 341 crores already released to the state government on April 29.