Heavy Rains Claim 60 Lives In Tamil Nadu

16 November, Chennai

Tamil Nadu, the death toll in north east monsoon rain related incidents has risen above 60. Heavy rain has thrown normal life out of gear in almost all parts of the state with coastal and northern districts bearing the brunt.

Incessant rain has flooded arterial roads in many cities including Chennai leading to traffic blocks. Trains have been delayed.

Flood alerts have been issued in low lying areas in Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Kanchipuram for the fourth day. In Salem Yercaud hill roads caved in and heavy traffic has been diverted. Power distribution was disrupted in many places and water has seeped into houses.

In Thanjavur, Chidambaram rain water has inundated fields damaging standing crops. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has till now announced Rs 4 lakh compensation to families of 53 persons killed in rain related incidents. The death toll has risen with dead bodies retrieved from flooding rivers and rain filled lakes.

The Met office said that the well marked low pressure area over southwest Bay of Bengal adjoining Sri Lanka will move west-northwestwards towards Tamil Nadu coast resulting in heavy rain in the state for the next three days.

Chief Minister Jayalaithaa has ordered to take emergency steps to tackle heavy rain as north east monsoon will further intensify. As a precautionary measure holiday has been declared today for schools in 24 districts including Trichy, Cuddalore, Nilgiris, Tanjore and Thoothukudi. Exams have been postponed in Trichy Bharatidasan University.