Date:28/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/28/stories/2008112860271000.htm

National

Central team to assess damage

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has directed Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil to immediately despatch a central team to Tamil Nadu to assess the havoc caused by the cyclone ‘Nisha’ and estimate the damage in 10 coastal districts of the State in the last few days.

This followed a presentation made by Union Shipping Minister and DMK Parliamentary leader T.R. Baalu to the Cabinet here on Thursday morning about the cyclone damage.

Mr. Baalu told the Cabinet that the cyclone had caused extensive damage to the life and property in the State. As many as 54 persons had lost their lives due to the floods/rain-related incidents and a large number of heads of cattle had perished.