The death toll in the heavy rains caused by north east monsoon, which is active over Tamil Nadu, rose to 12 with weathermen predicting heavy rains during the next two days.
In Villupuram district alone three persons died while one person each died in Kanchipuram, Cuddalore, Tiruchirappalli, Tiruvarur, Perambalur, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli and Kaniyakumari districts, official sources said here on Friday.
Most of the deaths, from October 27 till date, were due to wall and roof collapses, police said adding many houses were also damaged in several parts of the state.
Met officials on Friday said since north east monsoon has been vigorous over coastal Tamil Nadu and active over interior parts of the state, heavy rain is likely to occur over coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during the next 48 hours beginning 8.30 am on Friday.
Chennai city alone recorded 4.3 cm of rain till 8.30 am on Friday during the last 24 hours.
Fishermen were warned not to venture into the sea as strong onshore winds with speed reaching 45-55 kmph is likely along off Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast.
Several parts of the city reeled due to heavy showers on Friday as many roads were waterlogged and rush-hour traffic was thrown out of gear.
Metro officials said reservoirs in the city also received considerable inflow following heavy rains in the catchment areas.