347 deaths in rain-related incidents in Tamil Nadu since October 1

CHENNAI: As many as 347 persons have died in Tamil Nadu in various rain-related incidents since October, the state government said on Thursday.

While, 347 human lives were lost since October 1, about 17.64 lakh people were rescued and sheltered in 6605 relief centres across the state, it said.

The government, which has expedited rehabilitation efforts, said over 1.28 crore food packets have been distributed and an immediate relief amount of Rs 67.47 crore was disbursed among over 1.11 lakh families.

Twelve columns of Army, 48 NDRF teams, 400 Navy and Coast Guard personnel, five helicopters from Indian Air Force, two from the Coast Guard and two from Navy were deployed for relief operations, an official release said.

590 tonnes of milk powder has been distributed, 4.05 lakh sanitary napkins have provided to women, including those in relief camps, so far, against the targeted 10 lakh, it said.

The fury of north-east monsoon had left a trail of destruction in the state, especially in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallor and Cuddalore.

Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who had earlier pegged the damage at Rs 8,148 crore, has demanded that the Centre declare the "unprecedented, catastrophic floods" as a national calamity and suggested a series of measures including moratorium on home and vehicle EMIs and providing soft loans to the affected people.