Thousands throng to TN relief camps, more rain likely

CHENNAI: Thousands of people took refuge in relief camps as torrential monsoon rains flooded parts of Tamil Nadu, killing at least 12 people this week, the government said on Saturday.

The weather department has predicted rain or thundershowers over coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry till Monday. Districts like Villupuram, Tiruvallur and Tiruvarur continued to be lashed by rains.

Friday had brought a little respite , but heavy showers had continued through the evening.

Commuters had a harrowing time due to delayed services of buses and trains and severe traffic snarls. Mild rainfall was recorded in some areas in the state, moderate in others and heavy in some pockets.

In the state capital Chennai, schools and colleges, closed since October 31, were shut on Saturday as well and several university exams were postponed.

Chennai gauged 93% more shower than normal for the October 1 to November 4 period.

The MET department said low pressure area and upper cyclonic circulation in the Bay of Bengal are likely to bring more rainfall in the region.

Light to moderate rains were recorded in some areas in the southern state.

Power supply was suspended in inundated areas of North, South and West Chennai to ensure safety. Meanwhile, a Met department bulletin said the low pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the coastal areas of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu remained.