Chennai continues to reel under heavy rains, death toll mounts to 14

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CHENNAI: As the city is reeling under heavy rains, the number of rain-related deaths has on Friday risen to 14 in Tamil Nadu.

Normal life was disrupted as rain continued to lash Chennai resulting in 30cm of showers in some eight hours. The traffic moved at a snail's pace as the downpour caused heavy water-logging in various parts of the city.

The local administration identified 15 zones where the situation has dramatically worsened.

On Wednesday two girls died due to electrocution in Kodungaiyur in Chennai as heavy rains pounded the city and suburban areas as well as coastal districts of Tamil Nadu for a third day.

Schools in Chennai and Kancheepuram districts were also closed owing to heavy rains. According to reports, the announcement was made by the collectors, who after reviewing the rains arrived at the decision to declare leave for the schools.

Bhavna and Vijayshri, both eight years old, were electrocuted when they stepped on a power cable covered by stagnant rainwater in R.R. Nagar. 

Another girl escaped after she jumped on a cement slab. The girls were playing near their home as the schools were closed because of the rains.

Eight officials of the Electricity Board, including an Executive Engineer and an Assistant Engineer, were suspended for dereliction of duty, Electricity Minister S.P. Velumani told reporters. 

He also announced a solatium of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of the dead.