CHENNAI: Heavy downpour reported in the Tamil Nadu’s southern districts and in the banks of Kaveri. The depression still continuing in the Gulf of Mannar is the reason for the heavy rains in the state. It is reported that at least 20 have died in rain-related mishaps. But seven deaths were confirmed officially.

Government has declared a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to families of the dead persons. Several low lying areas of Tamil Nadu reported waterlogging. As water levels increased in the Kosasthalaiyar river, authorities issued a flood warning to the people.

Meanwhile, the meteorological department in its latest weather forecast has said that there are possibilities for strong rains in Kerala for the next two days. An orange alert has been issued in Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Idukki and in Malappuram. Districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode and Wayanad has been served with yellow alert.