EPS takes stock of cyclone damage in Cuddalore

After overseeing the relief works, the Chief Minister said that 441 relief and rescue camps were set up in Cuddalore where 52,726 people had been accommodated. “At least 321 trees were uprooted and the District Administration is doing its best to clear the roads,” Palaniswami said while addressing the media.

The CM said that 77 electric poles were damaged and works was on at a rapid pace to restore electricity in the affected areas. Asked about the delay in restoring power, Palaniswami said that though the number of poles were less but the area covered by the poles was vast. “Even if one pole is faulty and electricity is supplied, it might take away the life of people in other areas and so government will ensure that all the poles are ready before supplying electricity,” he said.

When asked about compensation for farmers who have not insured their crops, the CM said the Agriculture Department has been insisting farmers to insure their crops and most had even done so. “All the insured farmers will get their compensation,” he said.

He inspected plantain crops damaged by the cyclone in the district and reviewed the situation along with senior state officials including Chief Secretary K Shanmugam. He also visited the Devanampattinam relief camp, and spoke to the people sheltered there and distributed welfare assistance to them. He visited the Cuddalore harbour and interacted with fishermen on the impact due to the cyclone.