CM reviews flood mitigation works

A State delegation led by the CM is also set to visit Mettupalayam and console the bereaving family members. Leader of the Opposition, MK Stalin, will also visit Mettupalayam, informed sources said. Chairing a high-level meeting comprising State ministers and senior officials, the Chief Minister urged the authorities to fan out the disaster management special squads in all low-lying areas prone to flooding. An official release said that the Chief Minister announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the family members of 17 people killed in house collapse from the Disaster Relief Fund.

Apart from this, eight people died and an equal number injured in the State from November 29 to December 1, the release said. Owing to monsoon, so far 58 cattle have died, 1,305 hutments and 465 tiled houses were damaged and necessary compensation are being provided by the State. In the case of crops, the Agriculture Department is assessing the damages and is facilitating insurance companies to release compensations at the earliest. Temporary rain relief centres have been opened in Cuddalore, Tirunelveli and in Tuticorin. Food and basic facilities are provided to those hit by floods and rescue teams are positioned at vantage points to evacuate the public in case of a heavy downpour.

Chief Secretary K Shanmugham, Commissioner of Revenue Administration and Disaster Management J Radhakrishnan, Home Secretary S K Prabhakar, Health secretary Beela Rajesh and senior police officials took part in the meeting.