CHENNAI: Over 70 huts and houses were damaged, including 40 that were burnt to ashes, in a fire that broke out on Sunday night at KVK Kuppam, a fishing hamlet near Kasi Medu. Although there was no loss of life, the fire resulted in a severe loss to property.
The roofs had turned into ashes, household vessels were charred, electronic gadgets and clothes burnt and the people fled their burning houses in time.
The fire started late on Sunday night and was put off by 1 am on Monday, according to local police officials. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Residents, however, claim that the fire that started in one house spread quickly to others, as the winds were strong and most roofs were made of coconut palm leaves.
Standing amidst her charred house Punitha Valli hands out bits of burnt currency. “I had just borrowed this money yesterday. My forty thousand is worth nothing now,” she said. The money was kept in the inner locker of her metal almirah.
The fire also damaged the fishing nets that are the major source of many families’ livelihood. The entire fishing community that was affected by the fire had taken to the streets awaiting immediate relief from the government.
KVK Kuppam had turned into a political hotspot by Monday afternoon.
KPP Samy, local MLA from DMK, visited the site in the morning. K Kuppan, former AIADMK MLA, also visited the place in the noon. Both distributed temporary relief funds and clothes for the affected.
Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister Jayakumar, who visited the place promised to rebuild all huts.