Since the onset of the North East monsoon early this week, 20 persons have been killed in various rain-related incidents in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa said here on Saturday.

The victims were killed in incidents such as electrocution and lightning strikes, she said in a statement here. Those killed included women.

Jayalalithaa announced a relief of Rs 2.5 lakh each to the families of the victims and also expressed her sympathies with the kin of the deceased.

Holding a review meeting with her senior cabinet colleagues including Finance Minister O Panneerselvam, Jayalalithaa said she had asked ministers from the respective districts to make regular visits to take stock of the monsoon situation, with rains expected to last till December end.

She said she had directed relief work to be taken up on a war-footing.

The Chief Minister also announced compensation for huts damaged due to rains. She announced Rs 5000 and Rs 2500, respectively, as compensation for huts damaged completely and partially.

“I have also directed to provide 10 kg of rice, one dhoti and saree each and one litre of kerosene to those who have lost their houses,” she said.

Further, 112 farm animals had perished, she said and announced Rs 20,000 for those who had lost their cattle, Rs 2000 for owners of goats which had died and Rs 100 for chicken farmers as compensation.

The North east monsoon has been vigorous over the state for the past few days, bringing copious rains in most parts of the state including the Cauvery delta region, raising hopes of a good water situation in the wake of a deficient south west monsoon.

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