Estimating damage to infrastructure from the recent torrential rainfall to about Rs 8,481 crore, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Monday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sanction Rs 2,000 crore for relief work immediately. The Times of India reported that Jayalalithaa enclosed a memorandum, containing a detailed assessment of damage and the funds requirement. Almost immediately, Modi gave orders to release Rs 940 crore from central funds for the state.

The northeast monsoon has claimed 169 lives in the state since October 1, besides causing widespread damage to property and crops. Roads, bridges, storm water drains, water supply and sewerage systems, and electricity networks had been destroyed in several districts.

"The rainfall was extremely heavy and lasted for several days. Despite all the efforts taken by the state government, it has left a trail of damage and destruction. The funds required are well beyond the resources available with the state, including the state disaster response fund," Jayalalithaa said in the letter to Modi. She added that more than four lakh people in various parts of the state had been shifted to relief camps, where they are being provided food and shelter.