High alert again in Chennai as heavy rains expected to batter region, schools & colleges shut

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A high alert has been issued for Chennai and six other districts of Tamil Nadu as the India Meteorological Department has forecast "very heavy" rainfall in the region which is expected to disrupt normal life again.</p>
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Schools and Colleges in Chennai and the coastal districts have been shut as the region braces for the next round of battering due to heavy downpours that have thrown life out of gear in recent days.   </p>
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The India Meteorological Department forecasts "very heavy" rainfall in Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts on Monday and "heavy" rainfall in Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi.</p>
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The fresh forecast comes as many districts in the state got a respite from rains on Sunday. Chennai received only up to 6.5 mm of rain till 5:30 pm, Kanniyakumari 4 mm, Nagapattinam 17 mm, Thoothukudi 0.5 mm, Thiruchendur 11 mm, and Kodaikanal 15 mm.</p>
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However, Cuddalore received 7 cm and Puducherry 6.6 cm of rain.</p>