Heavy rain paralyses normal life in Tamil Nadu

Rain inundated most low-lying areas of the state capital and over 65,000 people had to be shifted to safer places.

Torrential rain paralysed normal life in several parts of Tamil Nadu, particularly Chennai and Nagapattinam districts, while the toll in rain-related incidents since onset of north-east monsoon rose to 35 on Sunday.

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Rain inundated most low-lying areas of the state capital and over 65,000 people have been shifted to safer places like corporation school buildings and community halls.

In the Cauvery delta district of Nagapattinam, over 5,500 people have been shifted to places of safety.

The monsoon, which set in the state on October 19, has so far claimed 35 lives, Chief Secretary LK Tripathy told reporters after reviewing the flood relief measures with top officials at the secretariat.

Most of the deaths occurred due to the house collapse incidents, Tripathy said, adding that majority of the fishermen, who ventured into the sea braving heavy rains, had returned.

Coastal districts of Cuddalore, Villupuram, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Tuticorin and Kanyakumari also reported heavy rain during the past two days.

Though rains spared Chennai on Sunday morning, the respite was shortlived as many areas of the city reported heavy showers by evening.

Power supply was restored in many areas during the day after being disconnected due to waterlogging on Saturday night.

Public transport system was worst affected as the buses had to wade through flood waters in many parts of the city.

Pechiparai and Perumchani dams in Kanyakumari district were full, while Tamaraparani, the lifeline of southern districts, was in spate.

Official machinery was geared up to meet the situation, official sources said.