Toll rises to 49 in Tamil Nadu rains

Chennai (PTI): The toll in rain-related incidents in Tamil Nadu rose to 49 on Friday, as the district administration initiated relief measures on a war-footing following a let up in the rain in most parts of the state.

An official press release said 49 people have been killed across the state in the past four days.

Most of the tanks and dams are overflowing with the Vaigai, Papanasam, Sathanur and Amaravathi dams almost full. Water is being discharged from these dams causing floods in Vaigai, Manimutharu and Tamirabarani rivers.

Standing crops over 82,000 hectares were submerged in the floods caused by the incessant rains.

About 23,000 persons have been evacuated to safer places, the release said adding the Goverment had disbursed Rs one lakh each as relief to families of 30 deceased.

District collectors and officials concerned have been asked to send reports of the damage in the respective districts.

Meanwhile, the Regional Met Department has forecast rain in few places in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the next 24 hours starting 0830 hrs on Friday.

A Dindigul report said a minor irrigation dam in the district breached after one of its shutters collapsed under the weight of floodwaters, PWD officials said on Friday.

Three fishermen, who were fishing in the Kudavanaru river,were rescued.The dam level stood at 25ft (Max26ft).

Fifteen villages downstream had been issued flood warning. Officials said they could take up the repair work only after the entire water was discharged.

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