Heavy rains continued to batter parts of Tamil Nadu since Tuesday night under the influence of a well-marked low pressure area over the Gulf of Mannar, leading to flood warning being issued in some districts of the state as many rivers and lakes were in spate.

The weather office said widespread rains accompanied by strong winds are likely over most parts of the state, during the next 24-hours beginning 0830 IST.

Official sources said 70 people have died in rain-related incidents since November 1.

In the metropolis, low-lying areas have been flooded following the rains. In the suburbs, Chembarabakkam reservoir has filled up, and water is being released at the rate of 1500 cusecs, official sources told PTI.

A Tiruchirapalli report said flood alert has been issued in Karur and Tiruchirapalli districts, as 96,000 cusecs of surplus water was released from the Amaravathi dam.

Schools and colleges in the districts were closed.

People living along the riverbanks in Karur have been asked to move to safer places. Schools in Karur town were closed for the day, Karur District Collector A Karthik said.

Tiruchirappalli District Collector K Nandhakishore said arrangements have been made for flood relief operations and distribution of food to the affected. Schools in Tiruchi and

Pudukottai districts remained closed on Wednesday.