Chennai, Sept 1 (BPNS)

Heavy rains lashed Chennai and its surrounding areas on Thursday with several low-lying areas in the state capital inundated in water. The rains which commenced at 12 pm on Thursday are continuing unabated and have thrown normal life out of gear.

Weathermen have predicted heavy to very heavy rains in many parts of Tamil Nadu for the next four to five days. The IMD has also predicted heavy rains in Tamil Nadu and parts of Puducherry including Mahe.

The district administrations of Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Myladuthurai, and Tanjavur declared holidays to all educational institutions in these districts following heavy to very heavy rains.

The Greater Chennai Police and the State Disaster Response Force have already geared up for any eventuality.