AMN /

Defence forces have come to the rescue of the people stranded in the flood waters in Tamil Nadu. The Indian Navy and the Coast Guard carries out sorties to rescue people who were stranded in the flood waters and also dropped food, water and other essentials. Army personnel also got into swift action by rescuing people through rubber boats.

People living in embankments of lakes and reservoirs are still marooned and are awaiting rescue. The army is also involved in the evacuation process. As many as 71 deaths have been reported in various rain related incidents including electrocution and drowning till late last night. The numbers are expected to rise further.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had also earlier applied to the assistance by the Defence forces. She has also announced 50 new farm fresh shops which would sell vegetables at a fair price. Prices of vegetables have skyrocketed in the open market.

Meanwhile, Northern districts got a break from incessant rains today. However, heavy rains in some northern districts of the state and also in the southern part of Andhra Pradesh is likely for the next 24 hours, according to Regional Met Department.