October 21, 2025

Hold on tight, Tamil Nadu! The northeast monsoon is pouring down with a punch, drenching the state in heavy, non-stop rain. Because of this, the government has swung into action. Chief Minister M K Stalin led a crucial meeting, making sure relief and flood-fighting plans are ready to roll. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) isn't joking around: eight districts face a red alert, warning of extremely heavy rain that can drop over 20 cm in a day! Chennai and many other nearby areas got an orange alert, meaning very heavy rain of 11-20 cm. The red alert districts are Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, and Ramanathapuram. Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari are all wearing orange badges. Even Puducherry Union Territory is under a heavy rain warning too! An RMC official said, “Heavy rain is likely across the entire north coastal belt, with extremely heavy rainfall expected in the red alert districts.” So, it’s a big watch-out! Chief Minister Stalin didn't just warn; he worked! In a video call with district officers, he ensured all things needed to fight floods are ready: food, clean drinking water, medicines, and emergency tools like JCB machines, motor pumps, boats, trucks, and sawing equipment. Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin also checked ongoing flood drainage upgrades in south Chennai—deep canals, strong concrete walls around covered canals, better stormwater drains, and de-silting spots where canals meet the sea. He inspected the Okkiam Madhavi canal, where the government spent Rs 27 crore, and nearby places like Kannagi Nagar to make sure water has a smooth escape route when the rains get wild. But the rains aren't just splashing on roads; they're hitting farmers hard! In Tirunelveli’s villages – Mannarkoil, Ayan, and others – paddy fields are flooded, with crops spoiling and harvests delayed. Farmer Subramaniam from Kakanallur shared how continuous monsoons left no time to gather crops. “Even paddy that was harvested cannot be collected due to the early rains. Immediate doorstep procurement of rice could ease the burden on farmers,” he said. Sad to see stalks bent and grains sprouting early – monsoon’s fury crushing hopes. Wondering if schools and colleges will shut on October 22? No official news yet. But with these alerts, local officials will keep a sharp eye on the weather and decide. Meanwhile, everyone should stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep safe. Simple safety tips: Stay away from flooded and low areas, keep essential water and medicine handy, stay tuned to Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority updates, and cooperate with rescue teams if needed. The northeast monsoon shows no sign of taking a break. Tamil Nadu is on high alert – so keep your umbrellas ready, and your spirits high. Stay safe, stay prepared!

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Tags: Tamil nadu, Northeast monsoon, Heavy rainfall, Flood alert, Cm stalin, Crop damage,