25 killed as rains wreak havoc in Tamil Nadu

Chennai: As many as 25 people died in various rain-related incidents in Tamil Nadu since Sunday, the government said on Monday.

This includes 17 who died after a wall collapsed on three houses at Nadur village in Mettupalayam near Coimbatore.

As the northeast monsoon intensifies in the state, over 1,000 people have been accommodated in relief camps in Tuticorin, Cuddalore and Tirunelveli districts which bore the brunt of rain fury.

Some low-lying areas in Chennai and nearby Chenglepet and Kancheepuram districts were inundated following the downpour.

Chief Minister K Palaniswami chaired a review meeting with his deputy O Panneerselvam and other cabinet colleagues and senior officials to take stock of the situation.

He issued orders to monitor the reservoirs, many of which are either full or fast filling up.

While the government announced Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the 17 victims killed in Mettupalayam, Palaniswami ordered due compensation to the kin of the other deceased.

The monsoon had set in on October 16 bringing widespread rains.

Palaniswami asked officials to ensure preparedness by holding adequate stocks of medicines, food, diesel generators, and disinfectants.

Rescue teams should be on standby with the necessary equipment to rush to affected areas while designated officials should monitor the precautionary measures, he said.