REFUGEE

CHENNAI: All schools in Chennai and the neighbouring districts of Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts will remain closed on Monday, with the

government declaring a holiday due to heavy rains. District collectors have issued the order although the forecast for Monday suggests only a few heavy spells.

The north-east monsoon, lashing most parts of Tamil Nadu, have so far left resulted in widespread damage and loss of 21 lives so far, including four on Sunday. In Chennai, residents of some low-lying areas remained marooned and traffic was disrupted due to flooding of subways.

The intensity of the rain has varied over the region, with some of the southern districts bearing the brunt—Tirunelveli and Nagapattinam saw 20% excess rainfall. Farmers in the delta region and adjoining districts too are worried that any intensification of the current spell of torrential rains may severely damage their crops. Yet 13 districts are still experiencing deficient rainfall, with the deficit ranging above 50% of the normal seasonal quantum.