As many as 64 people died in Tamil Nadu as heavy rains lashed different parts of the state by the influence of cyclone NISHA which lay 20 km off the Nagapattinam district coast throwing normal life out of gear.

Authorities have evacuated more than 42,000 people from coastal hamlets and low-lying areas in Nagapattinam, Thanjavur and Tiruvarur and housed them in relief camps.

64,000 hectares of crop officially declared flood-hit.

Heavy rains will continue for another 24 hours, informed Meterological office.

Most of the deaths were either due to electrocution or wall collapses, said an official.

Capital of the state Chennai is also experiencing heavy rain. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M. Karunanidhi has instructed to gear up relief and rehabilitation work.

Schools and colleges in several districts, including Chennai, have declared a holiday on Wednesday.