Nirmala Sitharaman to report Centre over flood situation in Tamil Nadu

Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is keeping an eye on the flood situation in Tamil Nadu and has asked her, along with two others, to review the situation and submit a report.

"It is well known by now that Tamil Nadu has seen unforeseen rains. Rains, which normally occur during these months, were particularly heavy this year. As a result Tamil Nadu has suffered especially Chennai and neighbouring districts like Cuddalore, Kanchipuram and areas like that," Sitharaman told ANI.

"The party announced that a team of three of us will have to go and review the situation, talk to the affected people, come back and submit a report," she added.

Sitharaman, who visited the affected areas in Chennai and Kancheepuram districts, said she would tour Tiruvallur tomorrow, and submit a report to the BJP central leadership 'soon' on the extent of the damage.

She said the party has contributed Rs. one crore towards flood relief.

The toll in rain-related incidents in the state since the onset of the monsoon last month stood at 121.

Chief Minister Jayalaithaa has also announced a grant of four lakh rupees each for the families of those who died in rain-related incidents.

The Met office today has issued a warning saying that a trough of low pressure over southwest bay off Sri Lankan coast would bring in more rains with heavy spells expected in coastal districts.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), rains are expected at many places in the state and neighbouring union territory of Puduchery in the next 48 hours.

It forecast heavy to very heavy rains in coastal districts and heavy rain in interior districts during this period.