Tue Oct 21 17:05:47 UTC 2025: Tamil Nadu Braces for Cyclone as Heavy Rains Intensify
Chennai, India – Tamil Nadu is on high alert as the northeast monsoon intensifies, with the potential for a cyclone developing in the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for eight districts: Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, and Ramanathapuram, predicting extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm in 24 hours).
Chief Minister MK Stalin has reviewed precautionary measures, and rescue and relief plans are being activated across multiple districts. Schools and colleges in four districts will remain closed. The state capital, Chennai, is currently under an orange alert, indicating very heavy rainfall (11 cm to 20 cm). Neighboring Puducherry has also declared a holiday for educational institutions.
According to B Amudha, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai, a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, approximately 400 km from the Chennai coast, is the cause of the developing situation. This system is expected to intensify into a depression by tomorrow noon, potentially evolving into a cyclone.
Other districts under orange alert include Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari. Chennai recorded an average of 60 mm of rain today, with Medavakkam receiving 100 mm. Overall, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karikal have reported 160 mm of rainfall between October 1 and 21, 59% higher than the average for this period.
Authorities have released 100 cusecs of water from the Chembarambakkam reservoir to prevent flooding in Chennai. Concerns are rising in Vellore regarding sewage mixing with rainwater, and some low-lying areas in Tiruvarur district are already flooded.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and South Andaman Sea from October 23 to 26 due to expected squally winds.
Monitoring officers are coordinating urgent work in the affected districts. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has inspected infrastructure projects in Chennai aimed at improving waterways to manage floodwater.
Heavy rain in Tirunelveli district has impacted thousands of acres of paddy crop. Farmers are urging the government to enable door-step procurement of rice due to harvesting difficulties.
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