As many as 476 people in the Nilgiris district, severely affected by rains and landslides, have been given solatium of Rs.9.52 lakh, according to Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.
Besides, 488 were being given Rs.9.76 lakh. One thousand eight hundred and eight people, belonging to 610 families, had been moved to 22 relief camps. Thirty cattle perished and roads, over a total length of 105 km, were damaged, the Chief Minister said in a statement on Saturday.
Giving an account of how the administration had been geared up to ensure the supply of essential commodities in the district, Mr. Karunanidhi explained how Union Minister A. Raja and senior Ministers and officials of the State government were engaged in the relief work. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam too had provided woollen bedsheets, saris and food items to the affected people.
Though there had been news reports on the restoration of normality in the district, some newspapers were prominently portraying statements by some persons that no relief work had been done.
Shocked over reports of a few television channels and journals that 700 fishermen were missing, he ascertained from officials the factual position that only eight went missing and that too four of them returned. He felt sad that a false report was blown out of proportion, Mr. Karunanidhi added.
