TN releases Rs 60 crore to rain-hit areas

To carry out immediate rehabilitation works for the rain battered regions of Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK government has released Rs 60 crore package.

The North-East monsoon has claimed 32 lives so far and caused heavy damage in the region. The state government on Thursday said the money, under the State Disaster Response Fund, will be spent towards restoration and various rehabilitation works in the rain-hit areas. Officials said the state had received 20 per cent excess rainfall so far.

According to them, more than 15 of the total 32 districts had received excess rainfall during this season.

Of the Rs 60 crore, the government has allocated Rs 30 crore to the Highways Department while Public Works, Rural Development and Municipal Administration will each get Rs 10 crore each.

As many as 32 people, including five women, have died in the rain-related incidents across the state. At least 110 cattle have also been killed. The rehabilitation works also include providing Rs 20,000 for the owners of cattle.

The government has also decided to extend Rs 5,000 as financial assistance for the families which completely lost their houses in the downpour. Besides, the affected families will also get new clothes and kerosene oil.

Weather officials said Moderate to heavy rain may occur at various coastal districts, including Kanyakumari, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts of South Tamil Nadu, due to a low pressure over Bay of Bengal. Light to moderate rain may occur at a few places over the remaining districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during the next 48 hours.