Chennai, Nov 29: The toll in the heavy rains caused by cyclone Nisha over the past four days in Tamil Nadu rose to 120 even as the state experienced some respite from downpour today, official sources said.
The excessive rainfall had also claimed the lives of 450 cattle besides damaging 50,890 houses, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said in a statement.
He said the families of those, whose houses were partly or fully damaged, would be paid a solatium of Rs 2000 each and ten KGs of rice.
Official sources said the toll has mounted to 120.
Karunanidhi said roads to the length of 6,700 KM had been damaged, 328 lakes breached, 687 bridges collapsed and 402 government buildings damaged in the rains.
Standing crops in 5,52,290 hectare were submerged affecting over seven lakh farmers in the state, he said.
"Efforts were on to drain rain water, which had submerged standing crops, but it would take some time as lakes and tanks, which had to take in the water, were already full," official sources said.
As many 2099 relief centres had been opened, sheltering 10,19,400 persons. As part of immediate relief, the government had disbursed Rs 2000 each to affected families, the chief minister said, adding yesterday alone, Rs 75 lakh was given.
The official machinery stepped up relief measures as the rains receded. However, there was no respite for Chennaites as most parts of the city were still under knee-deep water. In some areas, water had entered houses. Police used rubber boats to evacuate marooned people.
The city corporation distributed over one lakh food packets for the people housed in corporation schools and community centres. Elsewhere in the state, state ministers co-ordinated relief work.
Public transport is being restored step by step in the city. Suburban train services, which were affected due to rains, have been restored, the sources added. - Agencies
Nov 30, 2008