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Cyclone "Thane" claims 34 lives in TN, Puducherry; weakens into low pressure area
New Delhi, December 31, 2011
A satellite image of cyclone "Thane" taken by Kalpana-I at 0630 hours on December 30, 2011. Photo: Courtesy IMD website.
As many as 34 people were left dead by the cyclone "Thane" which ripped through north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry yesterday and left a trail of destruction behind.
The cyclone, which had weakened into a depression, has since turned into a well-marked low pressure area over north Kerala and its neighbourhood, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said this morning.
Under the influence of this system, rainfall at most places, with heavy falls at isolated places, would occur over Kerala during the next 24 hours.
Rainfall at many places, with isolated heavy rainfall, may occur over south interior Karnataka and north interior Tamil Nadu during the next 12 hours, the IMD said, adding the system was under constant watch.
Of the 34 deaths, 26 were reported from Tamil Nadu and eight from Puducherry.
The worst-hit in Tamil Nadu was Cuddalore district, which accounted for 21 of the deaths. Two deaths each were reported from Villupuram and Tiruvallur districts. One person died in Chennai.
The situation in Cuddalore was grim even as the authorities took up relief measures on a war-footing.
Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa said that, of the 21 deaths in Cuddalore, 13 people had died in incidents of wall collapse while eight had died due to the cyclonic storm.
Jayalalithaa announced a solatium of Rs 2 lakhs each to the families of the 26 people killed in the cyclone and expressed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
A cargo ship stranded near Chennai Port due to cyclonic storm "Thane" on December 30, 2011. UNI PHOTO
Meanwhile, faced with the herculean task of restoring normalcy in the devastated areas, the Cuddalore district administration was involved in full strength in carrying out relief works in the aftermath of the cyclone, that left hundreds homeless.
Steps were being taken to repair several roads which were badly damaged, and remove the electric poles that lay uprooted in many parts of the district, reports said.
Trees in more than 1000 places were uprooted due to gusty winds, which accompanied the cyclone. Power supply which was cut off as a precautionary measure was being restored.
More than 2,700 people were housed in relief centres and steps were being taken to rehabilitate them as their hutments were damaged due to cyclonic storm, the reports said.
Meanwhile, life came back to normal in Chennai city as rains abated significantly, bringing cheer to New Year shoppers.
Though several areas in the suburbs still remained under water, it was business as usual in the city with the sun shining brightly after three days.
In Puducherry, the authorities were trying to restore normalcy after the cyclone uprooted thousands of trees and electric poles. Several houses had collapsed and many roads damaged. Traffic signal poles and mobile telephone towers were also affected.
A view of Marina beach in Chennai after sea water left puddles in the sand following high waves due to cyclone "Thane" on December 30, 2011. UNI PHOTO
Power supply was restored in some areas today, but several areas were still without power.
Vehicular traffic was almost restored by clearing the uprooted trees.
A large number of fishermen who lost their dwellings were accommodated in government schools, marriage halls and community centres. Food was being supplied to them from a central kitchen opened in the town.
It would take another couple of days to restore normalcy in the Union Territory, official sources added.
NNN
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