Heavy rainfall battered Chennai and multiple districts across Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, disrupting daily life and triggering concerns about flooding in several low-lying regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall in isolated parts of the state, while government officials inspected ongoing flood prevention measures.
According to IMD data, most districts received moderate rainfall under 50 mm, but certain regions experienced intense downpours. Ramanathapuram recorded a staggering 149 mm, Nagapattinam registered 90 mm, and parts of Chennai measured up to 63.5 mm of rainfall. The uneven distribution of rain across the state highlighted the localized intensity of the weather system, which has persisted due to changing monsoon patterns.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited several flood-prevention sites in South Chennai to review canal and drainage system improvements. These initiatives aim to enhance water flow efficiency and prevent urban flooding by directing rainwater into the sea. The projects include deepening and widening existing canals, constructing new covered concrete channels, installing stormwater drains, and desilting estuarine regions.
During his inspection, Udhayanidhi Stalin reviewed ongoing work at the Okkiam Madhavi canal project, estimated at a cost of ₹27 crore, and observed desilting operations in Kannagi Nagar. He emphasized the importance of timely execution of these works to mitigate flooding risks during the upcoming phases of the northeast monsoon.
The IMD has issued a forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts, including Ramanathapuram, Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Cuddalore. Similar conditions are also expected in the Union Territories of Puducherry and Karaikal, with isolated thunderstorms and lightning predicted. Data from TNSMART indicated significant rainfall levels, with Thangachimadam and Mandapam in Ramanathapuram expected to receive 170 mm and 143 mm respectively, while regions like Virudhunagar’s Watrap and Chennai’s Ice House saw minimal rain.
Meanwhile, relentless downpours in Tirunelveli district have severely impacted agricultural regions, particularly around Ambasamudram. Farmers in these areas reported extensive damage to paddy crops spanning thousands of acres. The overlap of the southwest and northeast monsoons has left little time for farmers to complete harvesting, leading to fears of large-scale crop losses. Subramaniam, a farmer from Kakanallur village, appealed to the state government to implement doorstep procurement of harvested paddy to reduce losses, as many farmers are unable to transport their produce in the current conditions.
The intensifying northeast monsoon has disrupted life in several Tirunelveli villages, including Mannarkoil, Thiruvaalieswaram, Ayan, Kakanallur, Vaigaikulam, and Bramadesam. Many of these regions are now struggling with waterlogging and crop submersion, which threaten both livelihoods and food security.
Following a review meeting with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at the Chief Secretariat, Udhayanidhi Stalin issued directives to district officials to ensure coordination between various departments. He stressed the need to prioritize public safety, safeguard crops and livestock, and maintain readiness for rescue and relief operations. His statement reaffirmed the government’s commitment to handle the crisis effectively through proactive measures.
In contrast, opposition leader and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palanisamy expressed concern over a developing low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal. He warned that the system could bring severe rainfall to northern coastal districts, including Chennai and the delta regions. Palanisamy urged the government to remain vigilant and advised citizens to take necessary precautions.
Meteorological authorities have predicted that extremely heavy rainfall is likely in Mayiladuthurai, Puducherry, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Chengalpattu on October 22, while heavy rainfall may affect Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Ariyalur, Thiruvarur, and Karaikal.
B. Amudha, Additional Director General of the IMD, stated that a well-marked low-pressure system had formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday. It is expected to develop into a deep depression by Wednesday afternoon, moving west-northwestward toward the coastal regions of north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh. The system is likely to intensify further over the next 24 hours, potentially bringing stronger winds and heavier rainfall to coastal districts.
The continuous rainfall, combined with the looming threat of a deep depression, has put Tamil Nadu on alert. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with disaster response teams prepared for emergency deployment in vulnerable regions.
