Is Tamil Nadu ready for the Deluge? Red alert raised as monsoon intensifies

With two low‑pressure systems merging over the Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for eight districts in Tamil Nadu — could this be the biggest rain‑spell yet in the state’s northeast‑monsoon season?

Chennai: Tamil Nadu braces for an intense rainfall episode as meteorologists warn that a low‑pressure area over the Bay of Bengal may deepen into a depression, triggering widespread showers and localized extreme downpours. The IMD has flagged the threat of extremely heavy rainfall (≥ 21 cm in 24 hours) for selected coastal and delta districts.

Districts Under the Gun

A red category warning is in force for eight districts: Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Ramanathapuram. Meanwhile, an orange alert (very heavy rain: 11–20 cm in 24 hrs) extends to Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Kallakurichi, and other neighbouring areas.

Impact Already Visible

Preparations have been ramped up: schools and colleges are shut in 12 districts and in Puducherry for today as a precaution. Reports from low‑lying areas in the delta region suggest water has already entered homes in places like Tiruvarur and parts of Nagapattinam where paddy fields remain submerged, raising alarm for farmers.

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Why the Rain Is So Heavy?

The IMD attributes the incoming deluge to two well‑marked low‑pressure systems — one over the southeast Arabian Sea, another over the southwest Bay of Bengal — feeding moisture into the region and intensifying the potential for extremely heavy rain between October 21–24. The system is expected to move west‑north‑west towards north Tamil districts and Puducherry by Wednesday afternoon.

Government’s Response and Preparedness

Under directions from Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, 12 IAS officers have been appointed to closely monitor the red‑alert districts, evacuation and relief camps stand ready, and major water‑bodies like the Mettur and Vaigai dams are at or near full capacity. In Chennai’s suburbs, controlled release of reservoir water is underway to create buffer capacity.

Areas to Watch and Safety Precautions

• Fishermen are advised to stay ashore, with squally winds of 45–65 km/h expected between October 23–26.
• Urban flooding likely in Chennai, Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram due to existing drainage challenges.
• Farmers in delta and coastal zones face risk of crop damage — submerged paddy fields could sprout prematurely or rot altogether.
• Travel disruptions, road closures and power outages are possible, especially in the alerted districts.

This weather event comes during the transition to the northeast‑monsoon season, a critical period for Tamil Nadu’s agriculture and water‑storage cycle. With climate‑change factors amplifying intensity of rain spells, authorities see this as a test of their disaster‑preparedness infrastructure and urban‑drainage resilience.