28 people killed in heavy rains in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: Twenty eight people have lost their lives in Tamil Nadu as heavy rains, under the influence of a depression over the Bay of Bengal, lashed different parts of the state, throwing normal life out of gear.

The depression, centred about 50 km off the Vedaranyam coast, is likely cross the coast on Wednesday evening between Vedanrayam and Pamban, the Meteorological office said. Tamil Nadu would continue to experience rains till Thursday, they said.

Police said most of the deaths were either due to electrocution or wall collapses. Chennai city is experiencing heavy rains since Tuesday night, from which there has been no respite.

Chief minister M Karunanidhi has instructed ministers, MPs and MLAs to involve themselves in flood relief work.

In a statement, he said that the Tamil Nadu cabinet, at its meeting here tomorrow, would discuss the flood relief work and announce relief measures.

Reports from the Cauvery Delta districts, which bore the burnt of the rains, said standing crops in most areas are under knee-deep water.

Schools and colleges in several districts, including Chennai, have declared a holiday on Wednesday.