The coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, including state capital Chennai, received incessant rainfall due to Cyclone Laila. The torrent, which began late on Tuesday, continued on Wednesday too. The regional meteorological department in Chennai issued a warning that similar weather conditions would continue till Thursday. While the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh are feared to bear the brunt of the cyclone and the rains it would bring along, the regions falling in north Tamil Nadu may also be affected, according to the warning issued by the department. Reports said at least one person died due to drowning in Ramanathapuram, while a 24-year-old woman was electrocuted in Chennai. As the first such storm of the season has made the sea rough with very strong winds, fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea. The fisheries department officials from Rameshwaram, one of the biggest fishing hubs on this side of the Indian coast, said many fishermen who had ventured into the sea have not returned yet, raising concerns about their safety. The strong winds and waves also destroyed a large number of smaller vessels in the district. State Minister Suba Thangavelan visited Pamban and Mandapam in the district where a large number of fishermen suffered losses due to inclement weather. According to sources, the minister has assured compensation to those affected by the storm. Coming as it did, when the State was on the boil in the month known as Kathiri in Tamil, the rains also brought down the scorching temperature.