Tamil Nadu rain toll over 170

Skies remained overcast and heavy rains continued to pound Tamil Nadu for the second day as the death toll since the onset of the monsoon in October crossed 170 on Monday.

Fresh prediction of moderate to heavy rain made life difficult in major parts the state and fishermen have been asked not to venture in deep sea as a fresh low pressure trough is noticed in the Bay of Bengal.

Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had to call an emergency meeting of officials over the situation as the weatherman predicted heavy to very heavy rains in many northern districts of Tamil Nadu.

A flood-like situation affected life in the majority of the coastal districts for past weeks as the capacity of the reservoirs was spilling due to incessant rains and winds damaging the standing crops.

Schools in eleven districts, including Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Trichy remained closed.

Most of the over 170 deaths have taken place due to structure collapses and lightning strikes. Some 1,500 livestock have also perished.

An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the kin of persons killed in rain-related incidents has been announced and a sum of Rs 100 crore has been allocated for relief and repairs, as the cabinet awaits a report by the officials on Tuesday.