Chennai, Nov 26 (BPNS)

Tamil Nadu witnessed heavy to very heavy rain falls on Friday with several districts inundated in water. 21 districts of the state have declared holidays for educational institutions following heavy rains.

Meanwhile, the Indian meteorological department (IMD) has warned of further heavy rains in several parts of the state including Chennai for the next 4-5 days.

IMD  predicted that a cyclonic circulation lies over the Camorin area and adjoining Sri Lanka coasts. Strong northeasterly winds are prevailing over Tamil Nadu coast and south Coastal Andhra Pradesh at lower levels. Weathermen said that under its influence heavy rainfalls will be lashing  Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh and Lakshadweep for the next 4 -5 days.

Squally wind around 60kmph is likely over Camorin area, Gulf of Mannar, and along and off south Tamil Nadu coast and adjoining Southwest Bay of Bengal on Friday and Saturday.

Weather department also warned that heavy to very heavy rainfalls are expected in Chennai and Nagapattinam districts as well as in Delta districts of the state. The IMD also predicted that the entire North Tamil Nadu to South Tamil Nadu coast will get heavy rains.

Tamil Nadu minister for revenue and disaster management, K.K.S.S.R Ramachandran while speaking to media persons said, “ Heavy rains are predicted by the IMD and other weather agencies and two companies of National Disaster Response Force are kept ready at Chengalpattu and one in Kancheepuram.”

The Minister also said that the Revenue and disaster management department has geared up for all eventualities based on the warning from the weather departments and IMD.

Police in a statement said that all the district police superintendents were given directives from the Police headquarters on the possibilities of heavy rains. Fire and Rescue personnel are also gearing up for any eventuality following heavy rains as predicted by the IMD.