CHENNAI: Former coordinator of the AIADMK O Panneerselvam on Wednesday urged the Tamil Nadu government to extend the electricity bill paying period by a month for the people of Chengalpet, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chennai, who were struggling to return to normal life in the aftermath of cyclonic storm Michaung.

The cyclonic storm that unleashed its fury over Chennai and three northern districts, leaving several residential areas inundation.

"Though rainfall stopped 36 hours ago, the rainwater has not drained in most of the places in these districts. Without electricity and drinking water, the people are suffering a lot. Rainwater entered several houses, causing damage to the belongings from household appliances. This would cause financial distress to the families. So, the government should relax the electricity paying period and extend the time at least by a month for the people of chennai and surrounding districts, " the former chief minister said.

The cyclonic storm had come as a double whammy for the traders and commercial establishments as they were unable to open the outlets for business and their families have also suffered, he said and noted that the government should take this into account to extend relief to the traders for relaxing the electricity paying period for them too.