Heavy rains disrupt life in Tamil Nadu

Chennai, Nov 27 : Heavy rains triggered off by the inching cyclone 'Nisha' towards the southern coast of India continued to lash Chennai and other places in Tamil Nadu disrupting life on Thursday.

The streets in Chennai were literally submerged and traffic moved at a snail's pace on the waterlogged streets.

People of the area complained that the rainwater had started entering their houses and the government was not taking any action.

"I live in Vijayaraghavapuram where there are heavy rains. The rainwater has started entering our houses. The government has not taken any action. There is water logging in many other neighbouring areas also. We cannot even walk, we have to wade through water and the vehicles are off the road in many areas," said Jaya Vel, a resident.

Many people said that they could not make to their respective work places for the second consecutive day.

"For the past two-three days, there have been heavy rains. You cannot go out on a bike, office goers are struggling to make it to their offices. Many areas are literally submerged," said Sundar, another resident.

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

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.

Heavy and continuous downpour for three days in the state's Thanjavur and Tiruvarur District has adversely hit the harvesting of paddy crop resulting in huge losses to farmers.

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

Chennai recorded 14 centimetre of rainfall in the last 24 hours accompanied by strong wind with speeds of 45 to 55 kilometers per hour. Similarly Vedaranyam received rainfall of 33 cm.

ANI