Heavy rains, strong winds damage houses

The asbestos-sheet roof of some 60 houses were either damaged or blown away in heavy rains accompanied by strong winds today at Devarasolai in Gudalur, about 70 km from here, revenue officials said.

About 100 families were sheltered in a nearby community hall as rain water entered their houses and utensils were washed away in the downpour that lasted nearly 30 minutes, they said.