Heavy rain in Tamil Nadu kills 28, destroys crops

Thanjavur/Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Nov 26 : Heavy and continuous downpour for three days in Thanjavur and Tiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu has adversely hit the harvest of paddy crops causing a huge loss to farmers.

Large areas of paddy fields submerged under water due to incessant rain have left the farmers complaining.

"Last few days in Thanjavur district, there has been continuous rainfall. Due to heavy rains, paddy crops are submerged in water. Around 3000 hectares of land has been damaged due to water logging in Kalimedu, Sankasamam, Kadampakudi and Thenakudi.ntil now no official has visited the flood-affected areas. We plan to protest on 30th of this month during the visit of M. K. Stalin, Minister for Local Administration," Ravi Chandran, a farmer.

In Chennai, normal life has been adversely affected due to incessant rain for the past two days.

A low-pressure area over southwestern Bay of Bengal is stated to be the reason for the cyclonic rains, claiming 28 lives in the state.

The Meteorological department has forecast rains at many places across the state, heavy to very heavy rains at a few places during the next 24 hours.

"As far as the state of the sea is concerned, wind of the speed of the order of 65 to 75 km is blowing so the fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea. As far as the rainfall for the next 24 hours is concerned it is likely to rain at most places in Tamil Nadu. One or two places will experience very heavy rain and one or two places will experience extremely heavy rain," said Ramanan, Director, Meteorological Department, Chennai.

The district administration of all the affected areas is on high alert. The District Collectors have asked the Public Works and Revenue department staff to remain on high alert round-the-clock to handle any emergency. Meanwhile, patrolling around the coastal area has been intensified.

ANI