Intermittent and widespread rain continued in Tiruchi for the second consecutive day on Friday, bringing cheer to farmers across the district.
The moderate rain is expected to be beneficial for the samba paddy crop in the canal irrigated areas of the district.
“The monsoon has been timely and useful for the samba paddy crop. We don’t anticipate any damage to the crop unless there is very heavy downpour leading to inundation. The rains are very beneficial for farmers in Tiruchi district,” said N.Veerasekaran, coordinator, Ayyan Vaical Pasanatharar Sangam.
Most parts of the district experienced intermittent and moderate to heavy rainfall right through Thursday. Samayapuram recorded the maximum rainfall of 116 mm during the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 a.m. on Friday.
The chief amount of rainfall recorded in other parts of the district during the same period (in mm): Vathalai Anicut 75.80, Musiri 75, Lalgudi 71.80,Pulivalam 69, Thuraiyur 60, Ponnaniyar Dam 47.80, Nandhiyar head 42.20, Navalur Kottapattu 42, Kallakudi 40.80, Tiruchi Town 41, Devimangalam 38.20, Thathaiyengarpet 33, Pullampadi 32.80, Golden Rock 28.06, Thenparanadu 29, Sirukudi 27, Tiruchi Junction 26.20, Tiruchi Airport 25.70, Marungapuri 23.20, Thuvakudi 23, Manapparai 22.80 and Kuppampatti 20.
Meanwhile, heavy and widespread rain continued to pound the delta districts of Thanjavur and Tiruvarur on Thursday night, but many places enjoyed a respite on Friday with the Sun playing hide and seek behind the dark, looming clouds.
Low-lying areas in the two districts experienced waterlogging and vehicle drivers had to negotiate potholes filled with water on many a road stretch.
The rains have inundated samba and thalady paddy fields and farmers are focussed on draining the rain water to save the standing crop. Overnight rain in many areas has, however, put paid to their hopes of completing the work on Friday.
Farmers, who were apprehensive of possible inundation, heaved a sigh of relief as the rain in Nagapattinam district was mild and intermittent.
However, the sea remained rough forcing most fisherfolk to stay away from venturing into the sea.
Many parts of Karur received heavy rainfall with Anaipalayam recording 88 mm during the same period. Karur, Kulithalai, Aravakurichi,Pallapati and Velayuthampalayam areas received intermittent rain on Friday.
Widespread though moderate, the rain spell brought some relief to farmers in Pudukottai district, where the monsoon has not been active so far.
