Scooters walk through a waterlogged road after heavy rains near Marina Beach in Chennai.
State Revenue Minister KKSSR Ramachandran said at least five people died after heavy rains lashed Tamil Nadu since Thursday, while 10,500 others went to relief centres.
The minister said that 10,500 people have been kept in relief centers in 12 districts and this includes 620 people in five relief centers of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC).
Deaths were reported in Ariyalur, Dindigul, Sivaganga and Tiruvannamalai, while 152 cattle also died and a total of 681 huts and 120 concrete houses were damaged.
Ramachandran said that good arrivals are continuing in the major reservoirs and the catchment areas are receiving continuous rains.
He said that the revenue and disaster management departments are ready to face any eventuality and police and fire and rescue services are also being apprised of the possibility of heavy rains in the coming days.
Red alert issued for many districts
The rains and the subsequent floods have thrown normal life out of gear in the city. Issuing a red alert for many districts including Chennai, one of the smart cities, the Meteorological Department has warned of more rain.
Incessant rain occurred in more than 20 districts of Tamil Nadu.
The government has declared a holiday in educational institutions in 23 districts on Saturday.
Several areas of Chennai have been flooded and subways have been closed for traffic due to the floods. Traffic has been diverted at many places due to water logging on the roads.
With the increase in water flow, the shutters of Chembarambakkam lake were raised to drain out the excess water. Several acres of paddy fields were submerged in water in the districts, causing damage to the crops.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rains in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.
Chief Minister MK Stalin is expected to meet Governor RN Ravi and he will be briefed about the measures to mitigate the problems of the people due to heavy rains.
(with IANS inputs)
Read also: Rain in Tamil Nadu: Orange alert for Chennai; schools, colleges closed
Read also: Andhra floods: 44 dead, 16 still missing; 211 villages completely submerged
,