IANS/Chennai


Residents in several areas in flood-hit Chennai, Cuddalore, Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu were still marooned yesterday even as flood water receded and power supply returned in parts of Chennai.
In general, however, life continues to be difficult for almost everyone as they have to battle with contaminated water - including municipal supply and well and ground water - as well as slush and filth all around their homes.
Heavy rains which battered the four districts over the past month leading to floods have claimed 325 lives and derailed the lives of millions.
The weather office has predicted more heavy rains in coastal Tamil Nadu.
Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa announced Rs10,000, 10kg of rice, a sari and dhoti to those who lost their huts in the unprecedented floods.
Those in permanent houses and were affected would get Rs5,000, 10kg of rice, a sari and dhoti.
She also announced a compensation of Rs10,000 for the loss of cows and buffaloes, Rs3,000 for loss of goats and Rs100 for loss of chicken.
Special camps will be held for two weeks from December 14 to issue duplicate land title deeds, educational certificates, cooking gas connection, voter identity and Aadhar cards and bank passbooks as tens of thousands of residents lost their precious documents.
Yesterday, more shops opened for business in Chennai while a massive cleanup was launched in areas where the flood and rain water has receded.
Resumption of public transport - bus and train services - has made people’s life easier. Public transport was crippled in the city for the past five days.
While rains have stopped in Chennai, showers continued to lash parts of Tamil Nadu including Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Cuddalore.
Schools and colleges will open on December 9 in Chennai.
Voluntary organisations have stepped up their relief efforts in the flood-hit areas.
Chennai airport was returning to normal after resuming operations on Sunday.
Presently Air India, IndiGo, Jet Airways and TrueJet have started domestic operations. Air India Express commenced international flights.
By today, most international airlines will start their operations, the civil aviation ministry said.