Normal life came to a grinding halt in Karaikal on Monday, following heavy rains under the influence of deep depression in Bay of Bengal.
A good part of the paddy fields remained water-logged following heavy downpour. For the 24 hours ended at 8.30 a.m. on Monday, Karaikal recorded a maximum of 17.4 cm of rain. Heavy rain lashed parts of the district and it was a sheet of water in the fields in major parts of the district such as Nedungadu, Valathamangalam near Tirunallar, Nallenzhundhur, Nallambaal, Agalankannu, Maanampettai, and Vizhidhiyur.
The thick growth of water hyacinth in Padutharkollai river posed blocked flow of storm water. With a view to preventing any problem due to water logging, officials of the Public Works Department made immediate arrangements for clearing water hyacinth on the river.
Official sources told The Hindu that the fields in Tirumalairajanpattinam (T.R. Pattinam) and Neravi would be water-logged, if the water hyacinth was not cleared.
E. Vallavan, District Collector, visited various areas in the district and saw the arrangements for the clearing of water hyacinth at Paduthakollai river. The district administration has warned the fishermen not to venture into the sea in the wake of the deep depression. In a release here on Monday, Mr. Vallavan, District Collector, said that a round-the-clock control room has been set up at the Collector’s Office to meet any emergency.
ARIYALUR: Jayamkondam recorded a maximum of 60 mm, Sendurai 38 mm, T. Pazhuvur 24, and Ariyalur 23. Perambalur district experienced moderate showers. Perambalur recorded 16 mm of rain, Veppanthattai 14, Padalur 13 and Thazhuthalai 7 . Members of the public in need of any assistance can call 1077 or 04368-222025.

Source : The Hindu