Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin Reviews Flood Preparedness as Heavy Monsoon Rains Intensify Across State

In Thoothukudi, numerous areas experienced flooding with water infiltrating homes following intense rainfall.

Chennai:

As the northeast monsoon gains strength over Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister MK Stalin conducted a preparedness review to address heavy rainfall and instructed district administrations to maintain high alert status.

The assessment followed a red alert issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre for eight districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall across significant portions of the state during the next four days.

While leading a virtual conference with district collectors and senior officials, Stalin directed authorities to prepare relief camps, evacuate residents from low-lying areas, and ensure prompt relief and rescue operations. He also emphasized the need to accelerate paddy procurement and secure grain storage in delta districts, where continuous rains have already submerged extensive areas of standing paddy crops in Tiruvarur district.

The Chief Minister instructed the Greater Chennai Corporation to address waterlogging hotspots and facilitate rapid drainage during heavy rain episodes. Officials confirmed that JCBs, boats, pumps, tree-cutters, trucks, 51,639 lampposts, and 1,849 transformers were positioned throughout delta regions, Chennai, and neighboring districts.

According to meteorological authorities, a low-pressure system over the southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a well-marked formation, while another depression is expected to develop over the Arabian Sea today.

An orange alert has been declared for central, southern, and northern districts including Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, and Chennai, with wind velocities predicted to reach 55 kmph along coastal areas. Fishing communities have been warned against venturing into the sea until October 24, and deep-sea fishermen have been advised to return to shore immediately.

Water storage in several crucial reservoirs across the state has approached maximum capacity.

The monsoon's effects are already evident in multiple regions. In Tirupattur district, 17 pilgrims - including three children - were rescued by Fire and Rescue Services after becoming stranded in Palar river flash floods while returning from a temple visit on Diwali. In Thoothukudi, numerous residential zones were submerged as rainwater entered dwellings following heavy precipitation.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami urged the state government to "prioritize precautionary measures" and establish safety arrangements in vulnerable locations, particularly in delta and north coastal districts. He also encouraged the public to remain vigilant and monitor weather updates closely.

Officials reported that the state has received an average of 56.61 mm of rainfall so far this monsoon season, with more intense precipitation expected in the coming days.