Tension prevails as Central team assesses damage

Tension prevailed in some of the flood-hit areas including Maravanmadam and Anthoniyarpuram when people blocked the road traffic and picketed the Central team visiting the district to assess the flood damages, demanding immediate provision of basic amenities and repair of damaged roads. 

The people also wanted the team to listen to their grievances first before meeting the officials, police said. However, following the intervention of officials and police they dispersed.  They charged that their areas were neglected by the government during the floods.

Meanwhile, Puthiya Tamizhagam leader M. Krishnaswamy addressing reporters here alleged that the district administration had not assessed the flood damage properly. He charged that it was done in a hushed up manner and was not conducted in a scientific manner.

In Tiruvallur district, three officials of the inter-ministerial  team visited areas in Kattupakkam, Kaduvetti and Avadi and assessed the damage caused by last month’s torrential rains and subsequent flooding. They were shown the damage caused to the infrastructure including roads and bridges besides dwelling units. The team was accompanied by senior officials of the state government including District Collector K Veera Raghava Rao. 

While Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Cuddalore districts suffered deluge, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi were also severely affected by the north-east monsoon rains.  Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has sought more than Rs 25,900 crore assistance from the Centre for the restoration and relief work by the state government.