Officials begin damage assessment as rainfall subsides in Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam districts

With rainfall easing over the past two days, officials in the delta districts have begun assessing damages caused by the heavy rains over the past few days

With rainfall easing over the past two days, officials in the delta districts have begun assessing damages caused by the heavy rains over the past few days.

In Karaikal, District Collector D. Manikandan told The Hindu that a detailed damage assessment would be conducted after the rain. He assured that Karaikal is ready to face the expected heavy rainfall and strong winds from tonight. Food packets have been distributed to residents in low-lying areas.

“Approximately 4,451 hectares of samba and thalady crops are inundated. However, we expect the water to drain in a day or two, with efforts from the Public Works Department under way,” he said. He mentioned that affected farmers would receive compensation through the PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) crop insurance scheme.

In Mayiladuthurai, District Collector A.P. Mahabharathi told The Hindu that except for some coastal areas in Sirkazhi and Tharangambadi taluks, there is no major inundation in the district. The water in the affected areas was expected to be drained in a day or two. He credited last year’s desilting work by Mayiladuthurai and Sirkazhi municipalities for helping avert major damages.

As of Thursday, over 35 huts were reported damaged, and 27 cattle — including seven cows, 15 goats, and five calves — were lost, according to sources from the District Collectorate.

In Nagapattinam, 99 huts were damaged on Thursday and 51 heads of cattle were lost, including 39 goats, two cows, and 10 calves. District Collector P. Akash in his press statement urged farmers to take steps to contain rain damage to paddy crop. He said that sowing had been completed on 54,000 out of the 65,000 hectares targeted and advised farmers to apply nutrient sprays to help crops recover from waterlogging. Farmers are encouraged to consult agricultural officers for guidance.

Meanwhile, officials in Karaikal in Puducherry and Mayiladuthurai and Nagapattinam districts were geared to handle Cyclone Fengal, which is expected to cross between Mahabalipuram and Karaikal.