REFUGEE

Chennai, The North-East Monsoon, which provides heavy rainfall to Tamil Nadu, has commenced over the state, the Meteorological department said today.

"Northeast monsoon rains commenced over Tamil Nadu and adjoining parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. It has been active over Coastal Tamil Nadu," the Met office said.

The official declaration by the weather office came a day after it said "favourable conditions" for the onset of the monsoon had set in following pre-monsoon rains since early hours of Wednesday, ending an extended hot and humid season.

Rains had lashed parts of the state, including Chennai, with some streets remaining inundated. Rains continued till late night.

The department has forecast isolated heavy rains over coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the next 48 hours, beginning 0830 hrs today.