Cyclone Nisha brought heavy rainfall to Chennai and its suburbs on Wednesday and lashed the coastal districts of the state. The death toll increased to at least 36 people in the last few days. The Meterological Department has said that more rains and strong winds are expected over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Lakshadweep.

According to District administrations in Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Nagappattinam and Tiruvarur farmers' estimated losses due to water-logged fields may have crossed over Rs. 400 million.

The reasons of deaths as cited by the officials include collapsing of house and electrocution and drowning in flash floods. According to statements issued by various administrative units the toll had risen by 16 since Tuesday (November 25). The met office had predicted that cyclonic storm 'Nisha' would cross the central eastern coast of the state between Vedaranyam and Nagappattinam, 300 km south of Chennai, by Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Thursday announced that Rs 100 crore had been sanctioned for immediate relief measures to the affected people. A decision in this regard was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by local administration minister M K Stallin.