With reports of five more deaths coming in from different parts of Cuddalore district, the death toll in Friday's devastating cyclone went up to 31 in the district, taking the total number of fatalities in the disaster to 48 in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
The Union territory accounted for eight deaths, and Tamil Nadu 40, nine of them in districts other than Cuddalore.
Officials were struggling to restore electricity and ensure regular water supply. Fire service personnel were manually clearing uprooted trees, while priority was being given to restoring power supply to water pumping stations. Tankers were mobilised from various districts to bring water, while Aavin rushed refrigeration units to maintain milk supply.
Relief work reviewed
Rural Industries Minister M.C. Sampath reviewed relief work and later said normality would be restored in three days. Supply of water, petroleum products, kerosene and milk had been partially restored, he told presspersons.
