Fire in Puducherry village, 20 huts gutted

Twenty huts and two concrete houses were gutted in a fire at nearby Thaanampalayam village but there were no casualties, police said.

Sparks of fire from a hut led to the spread of flames, under the impact of strong winds, razing around 20 houses. The damage was estimated to be around Rs. 15 lakh, they said.

Fire force personnel from Puducherry and other areas doused the flames after a two hour long battle.

Chief Minister N. Rangasamy along with officials of Revenue Department rushed to the spot and ordered immediate relief works.

Minister of State in PMO V. Narayanasamy and PCC leader A.V. Subramanian visited the site and consoled the villagers.

Officials of the revenue department assessed the damage and arranged for cash relief and distribution of materials besides rehabilitation of the families.