The Tamil Nadu Government would construct one lakh concrete houses at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore to replace the damaged huts in the cyclone Thane affected districts of Cuddalore and Villupuram, the Governor, Mr K. Rosaiah, said today.

The State Government has also presented a memorandum spelling out the quantum of damage and has sought an assistance of Rs 5,248 crore from the Centre, he recalled.

The Government would take up construction of one lakh concrete houses immediately to provide safe shelter to the affected families, he said in his address to the Assembly.

The Governor also appreciated the State Government for using early warning systems to initiate preventive measures and for taking timely action for providing relief.

The cyclonic storm, which crossed the coast on December 30 last, had caused extensive damage to these districts, throwing life out of gear. Mr Rosaiah recalled that the Tamil Nadu Government had sanctioned Rs 850 crore for relief and rehabilitation.

A total of 177 persons had died in rain-related incidents during the North-East monsoon in the state, he said, while extending his condolences to the bereaved families.

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