Relief operations under way in Kanyakumari

 NAGERCOIL: Even as there was a lull in rainfall in different parts of Kanyakumari district, rescue and relief operations went on in full swing in the affected areas on Thursday.

Road and rail traffic, which remained affected on Wednesday, was restored and normal life remained unaffected.

Over 20 fishermen from Nankindi rushed to mid-sea and rescued more than 50 stranded fishermen.

All rivers in the district, including the Tamirabarani, Valliyar and Paraliyar, were in spate following the release of surplus rainwater from Pechiparai, Perunchani and Chittar1 dams.

7,000 persons evacuated

According to official sources, 7,000 persons residing in low-lying areas were evacuated and given shelter at 33 camps — 8 in Agastheeswaram, 3 in Thovalai, 7 in Kalkulam and 15 in Vilavancode taluks.

Army personnel from Pancode in Thiruvananthapuram were pressed into rescue operations at Ezudesam near Tiruvattar. The district administration declared a holiday for schools and colleges.

A team of 30 persons belonging to the National Disaster Response Force rescued 34 persons from Vikkalloor village near Tiruvattar. Rainwater entered Sasthan Temple at Vettunthi near Kuzhithurai making it inaccessible to devotees. Traffic on the Padmanabhapuram-Charode road was affected due to inundation by excess water from the Valliyar.

Two dead

Two persons — Bankiraj (50) of Kanyakumari and Selin Raj (27) of Marthandam – were electrocuted on Wednesday night.

The Department of Health had taken necessary steps to prevent the outbreak of any water-borne diseases, said Deputy Director M. Madusoothanan.

Speaking to The Hindu, he said that medical assistance had already been extended to all the inmates of 33 camps in different parts of the district. Special medical teams have been formed to visit villages to provide treatment to the rain-affected persons.

Tourism Minister N. Suresh Rajan, Collector Rajendra Ratnoo and other officials visited the flood-affected areas to inspect relief work.

http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/10/stories/2010121064480900.htm