The Tiruvottiyur area of North Chennai reported the collapse of an entire block of the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board apartment today in the morning. Fortunately, the families residing in this block had been evacuated before the tragic collapse,

Even though no casualties have been reported till now, the belongings and household items of all 24 families were buried under the debris. Meanwhile, the fire and rescue services personnel along with the police were busy in searching for people who may be buried in the debris.

Among the 14 blocks in the area, it was D block housing 24 families that collapsed. According to the police officials, residents had noticed cracks in certain portions of the building on Saturday night and following the widening of these today, they moved out. By the time fire and rescue personnel reached the spot, the entire building collapsed.

Constructed in 1993, the collapse of the structure is being examined.

The State Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin announced that alternate houses will be arranged for people who have lost their houses. Further distribution of Rs.one lakh for each of the 24 families has also been sanctioned.