Torrential rains turn Tamil Nadu into an island

Chennai, Nov 28 : 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.

With rains lashing the region, a huge swathe of farmland and villages have turned into islands.

Army has been pressed into service for rescue operations and airdrop packages.

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.

Director of meteorological department of Chennai Ramanan said that Tamil Nadu is likely to receive heavy rainfall.

"As far as the forecast of the next 24 hours is concerned it is likely to rain in most of the places over north Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. One or two places will receive heavy to very heavy rainfall," Ramanan added.

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.

ANI