Cuddalore, 26 November 2005: All the industries in SIPCOT have been ordered to shut their operations for the next 48 hours as a result of the flooding in the area post rains. Two villages in the SIPCOT area, Sangolikuppam and Semmankuppam have been badly affected by the flood. Water has entered the houses in these villages and in some places water is reported to be four to five feet high. The Cuddalore Chidambaram highway, NH 45A, has also been affected in this area. The chief minister today visited the area and other parts of the district to assess damage and relief work.
Flooding in SIPCOT area could be a serious threat to the health of the residents in the area as the hazardous waste from the industries is likely to get carried by the flood water into the villages.