Tamil Nadu Rains: Schools in Sivaganga to remain shut today

Chennai, Dec 03: Amid forecast of heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, all schools and colleges in Sivaganga have been shut today.

The heavy rainfall over Tamil Nadu is very likely to continue for the next two days, said the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday.

"A heavy downpour is expected to batter a few places in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal in the next week," said the weather agency.

The incessant rains in Chennai over the weekend has claimed the life of 25 people, including 17 who died after a wall collapsed on three houses at Nadur village in Mettupalayam near Coimbatore.

Nearly 1,000 people have been accommodated in relief camps in Tuticorin, Cuddalore and Tirunelveli districts which bore the brunt of rain fury.

Following the heavy downpour, some low-lying areas in Chennai and nearby Chenglepet and Kancheepuram districts were inundated.

Chief Minister K Palanisamy chaired a review meeting and issued orders to monitor the reservoirs, many of which are either full or fast filling up.

As many as eight persons died in various rain-related incidents between November 29 and December 1, while 17 people were killed in a wall collapse in Coimbatore on Monday, taking the total to 25.

As many as 58 head of cattle perished while over 1,700 thatched and tiled roof houses suffered damage.

The government announced Rs four lakh each to the families of the 17 victims killed in Mettupalayam/

The chief minister asked officials to ensure preparedness by holding adequate stocks of medicines, food, diesel generators and disinfectants.

The monsoon had set in on October 16 bringing widespread rains.