More rains forecast in TN as low pressure intensifies

Chennai, Mar 22 (UNI) Heavy to very heavy rain has been forecast over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during the next 24 hours, as the low pressure, which lies over south-east Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep area, would intensify further and move towards west.

Met officials said here today that due to influence of the low pressure, heavy rain was likely to occur in a few places with isolated heavy rainfall over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during the next 24 hours.

The Southern Districts of Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Theni, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam were badly affected and there seems to be no immediate respite from the downpour with the weatherman predicting more rainfall.

Fishermen were warned not to venture into deep sea due to trough in the South Tamil Nadu Coast, Kerala Coast, Karnataka Coast and Lakshadweep.

''Strong winds with speed reaching 45-55 KMPH are likely to cross these areas'', the officials warned.

Chennai recorded seven cm rain during the last 24 hours.

Normal life had been virtually paralysed in the metro, following torrential rains and gusty winds for the third day today.

However, in the afternoon, there was let-up in the rainfall.

Several low lying areas, especially in North Chennai, were under knee-deep water. Korattur, Ambattur, Villivakkam, Kolathur, Ennore and Manali in North Chennai and Velachery, Madipakkam, Vijayanagar, Ram Nagar, Selaiyur and Keezhkattalai in South Chennai were under sheets of water with hundreds of people being marooned.

A report from Kancheepuram said three buffaloes and as many cows were electrocuted to death when they came into contact with a snapped live wire following incessant rains and gusty winds, while grazing near a tank at Thiruporur in the district, last evening.

UNI SNR KVV GD SLD RN1845