Rain Fury In TN Claims 87 Lives, Cuddalore Dst Worst Hit

16 November, Chennai

The toll in rain-related incidents in the last ten days in Tamil Nadu, which bore the brunt of the fury in the wake of a well marked Low pressure area, rose to 87, today from 60 a few days back. A maximum of 43 deaths were reported from the worst hit Cuddalore district, according to District Collector Suresh Kumar.

He told a private channel that 43 deaths, including 16 in the last couple of days, were reported in the district.

The deaths were caused due to wall collapse, drowning in flood waters and electrocution.

Reports from districts said Chennai reported five deaths during the last three days, followed by Vellore (three), Kancheepuram (two) and Villuppuram (one).

Meanwhile, met office sources said the well marked low pressure area over Southwest Bay and neighbourhood moved Northwest-wards and now lay centred off North Tamil Nadu coast.

”It is likely to move Northwest-wards and cross the North Tamil Nadu-South Andhra Pradesh Coast either tonight or tomorrow morning”, the sources said,adding, under its influence rainfall activity over North Tamil Nadu would be gradually reduced.

The sources said at the time of crossing the coast, squally winds, with speed reaching 55-60 kmph, was likely off the North Tamil Nadu coast and Puducherryand fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea.

Schools and colleges in several districts, including Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, which were hit by heavy rains, would be closed tomorrow also.