Toll increases to 120; more rains forecast for tomorrow

CHENNAI: The toll from rain-related incidents in Tamil Nadu increased to 120 today, as overnight rains lashed many parts of the city, raising fears of more inundation.

However, a bright morning brought relief to the residents of the rain-drenched city, even as the weather office has forecast rains for November 21.

In a statement, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa said nine persons had been killed in the last four days, with the victims mainly hailing from Chennai and Kancheepuram districts, and expressed sympathies with their families.

She announced a relief of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the victims.

Meanwhile, the Regional Weather office forecast rain in coastal and interior districts for the next 24 hours.

Rains were particularly expected in the districts along Western Ghats, such as Theni and Nilgiris, S R Ramanan, Director, Regional Meterological Department, told reporters.

In the 24 hours ending at 8.30 AM today, various places in Nilgiris registered good spells of rain with Ketti and Coonoor in the district registering 12 cm and 11 cm respectively.

Heavy vehicles factory in Avadi (Tiruvallore) received 12 cm while Poondi and Ponnamanalle in the same district registered 10 cm each.