A Central team will soon visit Tamil Nadu to assess the damage to the standing crop and property loss caused by the unusual rain that lashed several southern districts, M.K. Stalin, Minister for Local Administration and Rural Development said in Mudukaluthur on Tuesday. During his tour of flood-hit areas in the district, including Achunthanvayal, Panaikulam and Pooseri, he said the Centre had informed Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi about the visit. Asked whether the Government had sought financial assistance from the Centre to undertake relief work, Mr. Stalin said that it would be discussed with officials after reaching Chennai. In Chennai, Mr. Karunanidhi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet in which the extent of crop loss, the number of human lives and cattle lost and the extent of livelihood affected were discussed. Initial estimates collated from the districts indicate that crops on 3.5 lakh hectares were damaged. The main crop that was affected was pulses, followed by chillies, paddy, onions and banana. The government had decided to enhance the quantum of compensation at the meeting because many of the affected had told the Ministers that the quantum announced by the government was far too low. "I will have to first inform the Assembly,' Mr. Karunanidhi said when asked about the Cabinet decision. Mr. Stalin said the March rain had played havoc in the southern districts. Extensive damage was reported in Ramanathapuram, Tuticorin, Virudhunagar and Tirunelveli districts. Standing crops, including paddy, chilli and cotton were severely affected. Roads, including the National Highways, and numerous minor bridges were also damaged. Officials were directed to intensify relief operation on a war footing. The Minister said in Ramanathapuram district the standing crop on around 1,2000 hectares was affected. Paddy raised on 2,000 hectares, horticultural crops, particularly chilli, planted on 5,885 hectares and cotton raised on about 2,500 hectares were damaged. Around 30 villages were marooned. Roads to the stretch of nearly 600 km were damaged. Cattle loss was also reported in the district. Mr. Stalin said that the district was severely affected because of very heavy rainfall in March. As against the average rainfall of 25 mm in March, Ramanathapuram had so far received about 350 mm. Steps were taken to drain the stagnant water.