Karunanidhi visits rain-hit Thiruvallur dist

Chennai, Dec 22 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today inspected the Karanodai bridge across river Kusasthalai, damaged by incessant rains earlier in the week, in adjoining Thiruvallur district.

The Chief Minister, accompanied by Union Minister A Raja and State Ministers Duraimurugan and K P P Sami, also inspected crop damage in Vanjivakkam, Thathaimanji, Kattur and Minjur in Thiruvallur district. He also distributed rice and clothes to the flood victims.

The bridge was damaged earlier in the week after surplus waters in the Poondi reservoir were discharged following torrential rain in many parts of the State due to a trough of low pressure in the Bay.

The bridge, damaged by flood waters in 1992, was repaired and a new bridge was also constructed in the area.

In a statement here, Mr Karunanidhi said he inspected the damaged Karanodai bridge and crops submerged in water in over 150 hectares of land in Ponneri taluk.

''I handed over Rs 2,000 in cash, five kg of rice, saree and dhoti to ten victims. Officials will hand over relief materials to the other victims,'' he said.

UNI