Clinton to visit tsunami-hit TN village tomorrow

Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, Nov 30 (UNI) The nondescript village of Thazhanguda in this coastal district is awaiting the arrival of Former US President Bill Clinton tomorrow. This will be his final visit to tsunami-affected regions as the UN Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery.

Mr Clinton, who is expected to complete his two-year tenure as Special Envoy this year end, will arrive here at 1000 hrs during his first leg of the tour to review the progress in tsunami recovery efforts over the last two years.

He will drive straight to the worst-hit Thazhanguda Village where the 2004 tsunami orphaned 480 children and widowed 787 women are living. He will visit a new housing complex there constructed for affected fisherfolk, and a rehabilitated school.

Reviewing the progress on disaster risk reduction, the Former US President will also visit a cyclone shelter with a newly installed early warning system and witness an early warning test and mock drill. He will spend about two hours in the village. This will be Mr Clinton's second visit to Tamil Nadu after he paid a visit to the worst-affected Nagapattinam District in May 2005.

Mr Clinton is scheduled to visit tsunami-affected areas in Thailand and Indonesia on December two.

Meanwhile, the Cuddalore District administration has geared up to welcome the VVIP and a thick security blanket has been thrown around the district.

About 1,000 personnel have been drafted for bandobust duty and a strict vigil being maintained at all entry points.

UNI AKN GM SK DS1253