Chennai, May 19: Heavy rains under the influence of cyclonic storm Laila lashed coastal districts of north Tamil Nadu, claiming two lives and throwing normal life out of gear.
Several fishermen, who put out to sea in 100 boats were reported missing since Monday, according to fisheries department sources.
The fishermen of Pamban, Uchipuli and nearby areas who ventured into sea on May 17 night in boats with outboard motors were missing, they said.
The cyclonic storm is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast tomorrow.
Police said a 52-year-old fisherman drowned in rough seas at Tirupalakudi in Ramanathapuram district, while a 24-year-old woman, an employee in a software firm in Chennai, was electrocuted at suburban Velachery.
Coastal areas of Chennai, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Cuddalore districts have been experiencing heavy rains since last night.
–PTI