Tamil Murasu: "108 Homes by Adyar Riverbank Burnt to Ashes"

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This article appeared in today's (June 15, 2009) edition Tamil Murasu, a local-language paper. Below is a translation:

108 Homes by Adyar Riverbank Burnt to Ashes
108 homes by the Adyar riverside were burnt to ashes. Several lakhs worth of property was also destroyed. These 108 homes were in Vathlakundu area of Adyar riverside and were under Nandampakkam Municipality. People in this neighborhood engaged in activities like making coir ropes, good-luck charm ropes to ward off bad omens and so on. Early morning, around 1:30 A.M., when people were sound asleep, heavy smoke started coming from a locked house. Due to strong winds at the time, fire started to spread very quickly into other huts. People got up and ran out of their homes in panic and commotion.

Upon learning the news, fire fighters from Guindy, Thenampettai, Raj Bhavan, Tambaram came rushing to the scene. But these homes burnt to ashes even before they could reach the area. Wooden cots, bureaus, jewelry, cash, school books, notes, etc, were burnt to ashes. Police in Nandambakkam have registered a case and are investigating it.

Upon learning the news, Minister T.M. Anbarasan, District Collector Santosh, RTO Nambirajan, TRO Padmajadevi, Nandambakkam Municipality head Sekhar and others also came to the scene. They consoled people affected by the fire and gave each family 2,000 Rupees, saris, clothes, 5 kilograms of rice, and kerosene (for cooking).

Minister T.M. Anbarasan promised to provide each family a place in Perumkalathur with title and make arrangements for students to study in the same area. Collector Santosh K. Misra said that he would make arrangements for temporary ration cards.

Thanks to Ramachandran Ramgopal for the translation. Stay tuned for further updates.