Heavy to very heavy rainfall was predicted in 24 districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry today, according to the weather department's forecast. The Tamil Nadu region has been reeling under waterlogging and flooding over the weekend.
Till 5.30 am, Chennai received 4.9 cm rainfall while Union territory Puducherry recorded 8 cm.
Several districts of Tamil Nadu have announced holiday in view of the rain situation. Schools and colleges remain closed today in Chennai for the second consecutive day. The civic authority in Chennai has advised people to stay home. Private offices have been advised to allow work from home.
Authorities have deployed 41 boats in vulnerable areas of Chennai while seven additional inflatable boats have been kept ready too.
So far, five rain-related deaths have been reported from the state while 538 huts and 4 houses have been damaged. Sixteen cattle have died too. Over 300 people are currently accommodated in relief camps.
The Tamil Nadu government has appointed five senior bureaucrats as nodal officers to monitor preventive measures and relief in Chennai and neighbouring Chengalpattu.