4 dead, nearly 1k stranded in train as TN rain fury rages on

Extremely heavy rains lashed Tamil Nadu over past 24 hours, inundating vast swathes in at least four southern districts, including Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi, prompting authorities to shift at least 7,500 people marooned in residential colonies to relief camps, officials said.

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At least four people were killed in rain-related incidents on Monday, officials said, and added that details regarding the incidents have been sought from local authorities.

Intense rain and heavy inundation wreaked havoc in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Tenkasi districts in southern Tamil Nadu, with several parts witnessing highest-ever downpour in a day. Kayalpattinam in Thoothukudi registered 96 cm rain in 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Monday, according to Met department.

"Such extremely heavy rainfall is unprecedented," Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena told reporters in Chennai.

The India Meteorological Department had sounded a red alert (highest warning) in the four districts on Sunday. "We received an alert from IMD that there could be extremely heavy rain, which is about 20 cm, but Kayalpattinam alone received 96 cm in last 24 hours," he added.