Date:21/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/21/stories/2008032152800300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Over 100 mm rain in three places

VIRUDHUNAGAR: The western belt of Virudhunagar district recorded a heavy rainfall on Wednesday.

Sivakasi received the highest rainfall of 120 mm, followed by Rajapalayam 112.4, Watrap 110, Pilavakkal 99 and Srivilliputtur 82.6 mm.

While adjoining areas Vembakottai and Sattur recorded moderate rainfall of 53.3 and 49 mm of rainfall respectively, other areas like Virudhunagar, Aruppukottai, Kariapatti and Tiruchuzhi registered below 20 mm of rain.

The Personal Assistant to Collector (Agriculture), R. Balasubramanian, said that over 75 to 80 per cent of paddy had already been harvested and the inundated fields had affected the standing crop leading to yield loss.

“Harvesting machinery could not be used due to the soggy soil condition,” he added.

However, he said that other crops such as chilli and vegetables would be benefited. Besides, farmers in Watrap, Rajapalayam, Seithur and Dhalavaipuram could go for the third crop with the help of tank and well irrigation.

Three huts damaged

Three huts were damaged due to heavy rain near Dhalavaipuram in the district on Thursday. However, no one was injured.

The police said that three huts in Ambedkar Colony of Vagaikulampatti were damaged at around noon.

People staged a road blockade following flooding of a road and village. Over 150 people of Desigapuram blocked the Rajapalayam-Sankarankoil Road as water from Solaipuram tank submerged a causeway.

Revenue officials promised to construct a high-level bridge following which the protestors dispersed.

Similarly, villagers of Samsigapuram blocked the Rajapalayam-Alangulam Road as rain water entered their village.