Heavy rains lash 3 TN southern districts

Heavy rains lashed three southern districts of Tamil Nadu today under the influence of a depression in the South-East Arabian sea.

The districts of Tuticorin, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari were battered by the rains for the second straight day.

Several main streets were flooded and rain water entered shops and houses in some low-lying localities in the three districts, officials said.

Tourists have been banned from taking bath in the famous Coutralam water falls in Tirunelveli district in view of heavy flow.

The water falls, almost dry till two days ago, was in torrents following the sudden rains in the western ghats in the region.

The rains also damaged paddy crops which were ready for harvest in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts, officials said.

The catchment areas of Papanasam dam also received copious rains.

The weather office has forecast more rains in the next two days in southern Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Lakshadweep in view of the depression.