TN on high alert as depression intensifies; CM reviews preparedness

As the Northeast Monsoon intensified across Tamil Nadu, bringing heavy downpours since Monday, October 20, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) on Tuesday issued heavy rainfall alerts for multiple districts, while Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reviewed the situation and directed officials to take precautionary measures.

A red alert has been issued for eight districts — Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, and Ramanathapuram. The neighboring Puducherry Union Territory has also been placed under a red alert. Red alerts indicate extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert — signifying very heavy rain of 11–20 cm in 24 hours — has been issued for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari.

CM Stalin held a video conference with district collectors, instructing them to keep relief camps ready and ensure the availability of food, drinking water, and medical supplies for affected people. He also emphasised readiness of equipment such as JCB machines, boats, motor pumps, trucks, and saws to respond quickly to emergencies.

Earlier in the day, Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin inspected ongoing infrastructure development and renovation works in south Chennai aimed at improving flood management. These works include deepening and widening canals, constructing covered canals with concrete walls, enhancing stormwater drains, and desilting areas where canals meet the sea and estuarine regions. Udhayanidhi inspected the Okkiam Madhavi canal, where renovation is being carried out at a cost of ₹27 crore, and also reviewed desilting work in Kannagi Nagar.

The relentless rainfall has severely affected agriculture in Tirunelveli district. Farmers reported that continuous rains between the southwest and northeast monsoon seasons left ripe paddy fields standing, preventing harvesting. Some fields have bent stalks, and in certain areas, paddy has started sprouting from the base. Farmer Subramaniam of Kakanallur village said, “Fields are still standing with ripe paddy. If it continues to rain, farmers here will be affected. One thing the government can do to relieve our burden is enable door-step procurement of rice as soon as we finish harvesting.” The Northeast Monsoon has intensified across Tirunelveli, impacting villages such as Mannarkoil, Ayan, Thiruvaalieswaram, Kakanallur, Vaigaikulam, and Bramadesam, where agricultural activities have been disrupted due to flooding. The monsoon winds, moving along the eastern coast and the slopes of the Eastern Ghats, have brought heavy rainfall to these regions, consistent with the seasonal monsoon cycle that channels moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal towards the coast and adjoining interior districts.

According to the RMC, heavy rain is likely along the north coastal belt, with extremely heavy rainfall expected in the red-alert districts. An orange alert continues for Chennai and surrounding areas. Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official advisories.

The monsoon is expected to persist for the next few days, with widespread rainfall likely to continue across the state, particularly in delta regions, coastal districts, and areas along the Eastern Ghats. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure relief and emergency operations are carried out efficiently.