The death toll increased to 42 in the stampede accident Sunday morning in the flood relief center of Chennai, capital of south India's Tamil Nadu. (Xinhua photo)

    NEW DELHI, Dec. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- The death toll increased to 42 in the stampede accident Sunday morning in the flood relief center of Chennai, capital of south India's Tamil Nadu, NDTV reported.

    Other 37 people were injured in the accident and have been sent to hospital, the TV news reported.

    The accident took place at the flood relief camp in a government high school in south Chennai at 4:30 a.m. Sunday, where nearly 3,000 people had gathered to collect relief materials, when people started running for shelter in a heavy downpour.

    But other reports also said that the accident was triggered by a rumor that Sunday will be the last day for the distribution of food coupons.

    Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha announced that the family of each victim will receive 100,000 rupees (about 2,272 US dollars)as compensation.

    Tamil Nadu has suffered torrential rains and floods in the past month, evacuating around 175,000 people from their home. The government has opened about 150 relief centers to distribute foods and other relief material.

    In a similar accident on Nov. 6, six people were killed and 20 injured near a relief camp in North Chennai. Enditem