Heavy rain in Tamil Nadu: toll rises

Thiruvananthapuram (updated on Nov. 16): About 70 people have died and property damaged in torrential rains in Tamil Nadu during the past five days. Flights and train services have been hit during the past few days. Road traffic was disrupted by flooding and fallen trees in Chennai and suburbs. Several of the Chennai roads are in knee-deep water.

Train services form Kerala to Chennai have been rescheduled or diverted. Some areas of Chennai have been marooned and train services to Bangalore, Tirupati and other areas have been cancelled or rescheduled.

More than 25 persons were killed in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu. School and colleges have been closed.

Heavy rain occurred at isolated places over south Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Tamilnadu, Pudducherry and Kerala during the past few days. A low pressure area has  formed over southeast Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood. Heavy to very heavy rains are expected on Monday at a few places over Tamilnadu and Puducherry and heavy rains at isolated places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, weather bureau said.