Thursday, October 27 2005 11:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: Normal life in the metropolis and suburbs was virtually paralyzed following incessant rains and gusty winds since yesterday night (Oct 26, 2005).

Several areas in the city are under knee-deep water while low-lying areas in north Chennai are inundated as the city recorded 20 cm of rains since yesterday night.

Over 4000 people have been evacuated and lodged in 250 corporation-run schools in various parts of the city, corporation officials said today (Oct 27, 2005).

The government has declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts where more rains have been forecast due to a depression in the Bay of Bengal.

Most international flights scheduled to arrive at the city airport have been diverted to Thiruvananthapuram airport, sources said adding departures are also likely to be delayed.

Rain water had submerged tracks between Mamballam and Egmore stations in the suburban Tambaram-Chennai beach section disrupting rail traffic.

Authorities are maintaining skeletal bus services even as most auto-rickshaws remained off the roads. Most of the roads and subways were under water.