Heavy rains in Tamil Nadu kill 28

CHENNAI: Twenty eight people have died in Tamil Nadu after heavy rains lashed different parts of the state.

A depression centered about 50 km off the Vedaranyam coast, which caused the rains, is likely cross the coast Wednesday evening between Vedanrayam and Pamban, the Meteorological office said.

Tamil Nadu will continue to experience the rains till Thursday, it said.

Police said most of the deaths were either due to electrocution or wall collapses.

Chennai city is experiencing heavy rains since last night, from which there has been no respite.

Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has instructed ministers, MPs and MLAs to involve themselves in flood relief work. 

In a statement, he said that the Tamil Nadu cabinet, at its meeting here on Thursday, would discuss the flood relief work and announce relief measures.

Reports from the Cauvery Delta districts, which bore the burnt of the rains, said standing crops in most areas are under knee-deep water.

Schools and colleges in several districts, including Chennai, have declared a holiday today.