Heavy rains claim 7 lives amid deep depression in S India

NEW DELHI -- At least seven persons died in different districts of India's southern state of Tamil Nadu during the past 24 hours due to heavy rains and waterlogging, a local government official said.

A deep depression had formed over the Gulf of Mannar near Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu and later weakened into a depression.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the deep depression remained practically stationary for 18 hours and then weakened into a depression.

As a precautionary measure, over 30,000 people, including nearly 5,000 children, were evacuated and moved to relief camps across the state.

Local fishermen were advised not to venture into the Gulf of Mannar and the adjoining Bay of Bengal in the wake of rough seas.

Waterlogging in the agriculture fields caused severe damage to crops. Quoting local officials, media reported that more than 40 hectares of paddy were partially or completely damaged.