9 killed and 9 injured as building collapses in Pernambut town due to rain

Due to heavy rains in Vellore for the past few days, most of the areas were inundated. All victims were from the joint family of the late Dr Marudu Aslam Ansari. 

Local residents said they heard a loud crashing noise in the early hours as the house collapsed trapping all sleeping inside. 

Six of the injured were admitted to the Pernambut government hospital while three others were referred to the Vellore government medical college hospital.

Rescue efforts were still on and first on the scene were members of the Congress, including district president G Suresh Kumar and vice president Krishnaveni. Police, Revenue and Fire and Rescue Services officials coordinated rescue operations. 

When Collector B Kumaravel Pandian reached the spot, more than 200 locals resorted to a road roko and raised slogans, holding him responsible for water stagnation in residential areas.

Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his grief over the incident and announced Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia to the families of the nine people who lost their lives. 

He also said Rs 50,000 will be given to those who suffered injuries. The dead were identified as Misba Fathima (21); Ruhi (25); Anisha (54); Thansila (30); Afeera (3); Gowsar (50); Manullah (13); Afra (3); Tahumeel (4).

A 32-year-old man Manohar of Vaduganthangal was washed away by the flood waters when he ventured to cross the submerged causeway connecting Virinjipuram and Vaduganthangal on his two-wheeler on Thursday evening. More than 50 cattle were also washed away when they tried to enter the river to drink at Shenbakkam.