REFUGEE

Chennai, Nov 6 The death toll in the heavy rains caused by north east monsoon, which is active over Tamil Nadu, rose to 12 with weathermen predicting more downpour during the next two days.

In Villupuram district alone three persons died while one person each died in Kanchipuram, Cuddalore, Tiruchirappalli, Tiruvarur, Perambalur, Madurai, Virudhunagar Tirunelveli and Kaniyakumari districts, official sources said here today.

Most of the deaths, from October 27 till date, were due to wall and roof collapses, police said adding many houses were also damaged in several parts of the state.

Met officials said since north east monsoon has been vigorous over coastal Tamil Nadu and active over interior parts of the state, heavy rain is likely to occur over coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during the next 48 hours begining 8.30 am today.

Chennai city alone recorded 4.3 cm of rain till 8.