Chennai, Oct 27:
Tamil Nadu has reported 14 deaths in rain-related incidents since the onset of the Northeast Monsoon, and the State government has provided compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased, Revenue Minister KA Sengottaiyan said on Monday.
Speaking to reporters, the Minister said the deaths had occurred in incidents involving lightning, wall collapses and other rain-related circumstances. He denied media reports that the toll had reached 35, stating that district administrations were verifying whether reported deaths were directly connected to the weather or had occurred due to other natural causes.
According to the Minister, the official count stood at 14 and the prescribed compensation had been paid to the families. He said the administration was monitoring the situation and had taken precautionary measures based on forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department.
The recent spell of heavy rain had affected several parts of the State, including Chennai and other northern districts, the southern coastal belt, the Western Ghats and the Cauvery delta region. Landslides in the Nilgiris had caused disruption, and clearance work was under way, Sengottaiyan said.
The government was also assessing damage to standing crops in several districts. Revenue and district officials were estimating the extent of losses, and appropriate compensation would be considered based on their reports, the Minister added.
Rainfall eased on Monday, with sunshine returning to several areas after days of heavy showers. The forecast indicated that dry weather was likely to prevail over most parts of Tamil Nadu in the coming days. The government said district administrations would continue to monitor conditions and respond to any further weather-related emergencies.