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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin distributes meals to the people affected by the heavy rains, at the Sembiam Merchants Association Wedding Hall, Kolathur, in Chennai on Tuesday. Image Credit: ANI

Chennai, Tamil Nadu: At least five people died and as many as 538 huts and four houses have been completely damaged in Tamil Nadu due to incessant rains.

The state’s revenue and disaster management minister KKSSR Ramachandran is concerned about more losses. “More damage is expected if rain intensifies,” the Minister said.

Tamil Nadu received an average rainfall of 16.84 mm in the last 24 hours. Chengalpet district received the highest, Ramachandran said.

The minister said Chennai Corporation is pumping out water from low-lying areas as the state received less rainfall on Tuesday.

The rescue operation is underway by Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Tamil Nadu Fire and others, he said.

In Chennai, more nodal officers are posted for review and rescue operations, he further added.

Meanwhile, Madurai received heavy rainfall as Tamil Nadu remains under influence of the Northeast monsoon.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted another set of heavy showers to hit the Chennai coast between November 10 and 13.

With the onset of northeastern rains, Chennai received the heaviest rains in the past six years, recalling the 2015 floods. It resulted in flooding in the central and northern parts of the city.

Schools and colleges in Madurai district will remain closed, District Collector said on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams consisting of 22 persons each have been deployed in Madurai, said NDRF Inspector K.K. Payasi.