North-east monsoon toll in Tamil Nadu mounts to 34

The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday said 14 people have been killed in rain-related incidents since October 20, taking the toll to 34 since the onset of the north-east monsoon last week.

In a statement in Chennai, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said 14 persons were killed since October 20.

She also announced Rs 2.5 lakh as an ex gratia amount to each of the families of victims who died in incidents such as lightning and wall collapse in Cuddalore and Villupuram districts, among others.

The north-east monsoon has been vigorous over Tamil Nadu for the past few days, bringing in copious rains in most parts of the state, including the Cauvery delta region, raising hopes of a good water situation in the wake of a deficient south west monsoon.