Rain wreaks havoc in TN; 14 killed, 23 injured

Chennai, Dec 19 (UNI) At least 14 people were killed and 23 others injured in rain-related incidents in Tamil Nadu since last night as heavy rains, under the influence of a low pressure, left a trail of havoc and destruction across the State, especially in the Cauvery delta areas.

Reports received at the police headquarters here confirmed the death of 14 people -- eight men and six women in various parts of the State.

The reports also said 23 people -- 11 men and 12 women -- were injured in rail-related incidents.

A Tiruchirapalli report said four members of a family were killed in a wall collapse, while three of a family were electrocuted when they came in contact with a livewire at Sivakollai village near Thiruvonam in Thanjavur district. A farm employee in Kadampatti village in Pudukottai district was electrocuted yesterday.

Two students drowned when they fell into an overflowing well at Vellore. One death each was reported from Villupuram district and Chennai. Besides, two deaths were reported from other parts of the State.

With the weatherman forecasting heavy rain for the next 24 hrs as the low pressure is likely to intensify into a depression, the State Government declared a holiday for all schools in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts tomorrow. Collectors of other districts were asked to take a decision in this regard depending on the local situation.

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