As the Northeast monsoon intensified across Tamil Nadu, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai issued a cyclone alert and heavy rainfall warnings for several districts. The state government has declared school and college holidays in multiple regions as a precautionary measure.
RMC Director B Amudha said a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a well-marked low-pressure system, located approximately 400 km from Chennai. “By noon tomorrow, there is a possibility that the system will strengthen into a Depression. This is expected to occur off the coasts of north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh,” she said.
She added that while the system is forecast to intensify up to the deep depression stage, “the possibility of it developing into a cyclone or storm can only be said with some certainty after it has become a depression.”
The district administration of Chennai announced that all schools in the city will remain closed on Wednesday amid persistent heavy rainfall. Similar orders were issued for Cuddalore, Villupuram, Ranipet, Chengalpattu, and Trichy, where both schools and colleges will be shut. In Thoothukudi, only schools will remain closed, while Salem and Pudukottai districts have also declared holidays for schools.
The Puducherry and Karaikal administrations followed suit, announcing the closure of educational institutions in view of the continuing downpour.
The Indian Meterological Department has issued a red alert for eight districts: Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Ramanathapuram, while an orange alert has been issued for Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari.
In Cuddalore, a house wall collapsed following heavy rains, killing a 70-year-old woman and her 40-year-old daughter. The collapse occurred around 10.30 am. The elderly woman was found dead at the site, while her daughter died in hospital.
Severe waterlogging was reported in parts of Pudukottai following heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu.
Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed the preparedness of the government machinery and instructed officials to respond swiftly to public grievances and ensure uninterrupted rice procurement. He directed district collectors to keep relief camps ready with arrangements for food, drinking water, and medicines. He also advised teams to remain on standby with JCB machines, boats, motor pumps, trucks, and saws to manage emergencies.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said the North East monsoon has intensified, with Chennai and nearby districts receiving continuous rainfall. Another spell is expected in two days, possibly heavier than last year. He emphasised being prepared to protect people.
He added that during his visits to affected areas, residents reported water stagnation politely, trusting that officials and local representatives would address the situation.
Between October 1 and 21, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal received 160 mm of rainfall, which is 59 percent higher than the normal average for this period.
– Ends
