Chennai: Heavy rains started to pound Chennai, Cuddalore, Ramanathapuram, and several other delta districts of Tamil Nadu from the wee hours of Tuesday. The heavy rains are due to the low-pressure area over Sri Lanka off Tamil Nadu Coast which is likely to move towards the Arabian sea in the next 48 hours, as predicted by India Meteorological Department. 


According to a bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department, "The low-pressure area over Sri Lanka off Tamil Nadu coast now lies over Comorin area and adjoining north Sri Lanka coast. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 3.1 Km above mean sea level so it is likely to move North-Northwestwards and become more marked during the next 48 hours."


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Therefore, N Puviarasan, Director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre, Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai, issued rain warnings to eight districts including the union territory of Puducherry on Monday. "Heavy rains coupled with thunderstorms are likely to be experienced in Delta districts, Cuddalore, Madurai, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, and Kanyakumari districts. The coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are also likely to receive moderate rainfall while interior districts are likely to receive mild showers," he said. 


The IMD forecast also said that rains are likely to continue till November 5, a day after Diwali. 


The RMC also warned fishermen against going to Kumari and the Gulf of Mannar regions since the wind is expected to blow at 40-50 Km. Heavy wind is also likely to be experienced in coastal regions of Kerala, Lakshadweep, Maldives, and the Arabian sea.


Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government on Monday increased the assistance provided to fishermen during the Monsoon period from Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 each. The Chief Minister MK Stalin has also allocated Rs 108 crore for the same to benefit 1.24 lakh families in 11 coastal districts of the state.