Rain continues to batter TN

Chennai, Mar 14 (UNI) Normal life in this metropolis and various parts of Tamil Nadu was virtually paralysed following heavy rains and gusty winds for the second consecutive day today, under the influence of a trough of low pressure off South Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.

The coastal districts of Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Karaikal were badly hit by the heavy rains, which continued unabated. There seems to be no immediate respite from the downpour, with the weathermen predicting more rains during the next 24 hours.

Chidambaram in Cuddalore district recorded the maximum rainfall of 19 cm, followed by Sirkali and Parangipettai 13 each, Karaikal 11, Nagapattinam 10 and Kattumannarkoil 9. Chennai city alone recorded two cm rain during the last 24 hours.

Met officials here said the trough of low pressure had intensified further, which would bring more rain to Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry during the next 24 hours.

Fishermen have been warned not to venture into deep sea due to the trough in the south Tamil Nadu coast.

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 still submerged under sheets of water, with hundreds of people marooned.

Cargo operations at the Chennai Container Terminal were also severely hampered by the downpour.

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