20 killed since onset of North East monsoon in TN, says CM

The government has announced a relief of Rs 2.5 lakh each to the families of the victims, the chief minister said in a statement here.

Holding a review meeting with her senior cabinet colleagues including Finance Minister O Panneerselvam, Jayalalithaa said she had asked ministers from the respective districts to make regular visits to take stock of the monsoon situation, with rains expected to last till December end.

She said she had directed relief work to be taken up on a war-footing.

The Chief Minister also announced compensation for huts damaged due to rains. She announced Rs 5,000 and Rs 2,500, respectively, as compensation for huts damaged completely and partially.

The government will also provide 10 kg of rice, one dhoti and saree each and one litre of kerosene to those who have lost their houses.

Most of the victims, including women, were killed due to lightning and electrocution.

About 100 farm animals had also perished due to rain. The government has announced Rs 20,000 for those who had lost their cattle, Rs 2000 for owners of goats which had died and Rs 100 for chicken farmers as compensation.

The North east monsoon has been vigorous over the state for the past few days, bringing copious rains in most parts of the state including the Cauvery delta region, raising hopes of a good water situation in the wake of a deficient south west monsoon.