Relief measures continue even as N-E monsoon rains create havoc in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, relief measures continue as north east monsoon rain created havoc in many parts of the state. More than 41 people have died in rain-related incidents in the state. The new trough of low pressure formed over South west Andaman will become low pressure in two days according to Chennai Met office. This will bring in heavy rain in south coastal districts of

Tamil Nadu for the next five days. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has announced a compensation of Rs four lakh each to the families of 36 persons killed in rain-related incidents in Salem, Cuddalore, Villupuram and Kanniyakumari.

AIR correspondent reports, Cuddalore district in Tamil Nadu has been devastated by the north-east monsoon rain and heavy rains due to low pressure. More than 32 persons in Cuddalore district have been killed which the highest toll in the state in the north east monsoon rain. In Cuddalore normally 697 mm rain is recorded during North east monsoon. Till now 500 mm rain has been recorded in this north east monsoon. This has created havoc in the district which is the worst after Thane cyclone and tsunami natural disasters.
As rain water has seeped into the fresh water ponds, village panchayats have been given 2000 field test kits to find whether the water is potable. More than 2 lakh acres of crops have been affected as rain water has seeped into the fields. Sugarcane and plantain crops have been badly affected by the above normal rain. In Cuddalore district 300 houses were completely damaged and thousands of houses were partially damaged. Power generation in Neyveli Lignite Corporation has been affected.