Red Alert Tamil Nadu: Will schools and colleges be closed on October 22 amid heavy rainfall?

As the northeast monsoon lashes Tamil Nadu with relentless showers, the state government has issued heavy rainfall alerts for multiple districts. Chief Minister M K Stalin held a review meeting with officials to assess the situation and direct precautionary measures, including the preparation of relief operations and flood mitigation strategies.

Northeast Monsoon Intensifies Across Tamil Nadu: Red and Orange Alerts Issued for Multiple Districts

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued a red alert for eight districts, signalling extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours, and an orange alert for Chennai, indicating very heavy rainfall of 11–20 cm.

The districts under the red alert include:

• Villupuram
• Cuddalore
• Mayiladuthurai
• Nagapattinam
• Tiruvallur
• Thanjavur
• Pudukottai
• Ramanathapuram

The orange alert has been issued for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari. The neighbouring Puducherry Union Territory is also under a red alert.

An official from the RMC confirmed, “Heavy rain is likely across the entire north coastal belt, with extremely heavy rainfall expected in the red alert districts.”

Chief Minister Stalin Orders Flood Preparedness: Relief Camps, Food, Drinking Water, and Emergency Equipment

In Chennai, CM Stalin chaired a video conference with district collectors and emphasised that all relief arrangements should be ready, including food, drinking water, medicine, and emergency response equipment such as JCB machines, motor pumps, boats, trucks, and saws.

Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin also inspected ongoing infrastructure works in south Chennai aimed at improving floodwater drainage. These include:

• Deepening and widening canals
• Constructing covered canals with concrete walls
• Stormwater drain enhancements
• Desilting areas where canals meet the sea

Udhayanidhi visited Okkiam Madhavi canal, where the government has invested Rs 27 crore, and inspected desilting operations in the Kannagi Nagar area, to ensure water can flow seamlessly into the sea during heavy rainfall.

Farmers in Tirunelveli Face Crop Losses as Monsoon Rains Delay Paddy Harvesting

The relentless monsoon has severely affected agricultural villages in Tirunelveli, including Mannarkoil, Ayan, Thiruvaalieswaram, Kakanallur, Vaigaikulam, and Bramadesam.

Local farmers report significant losses, with ripe paddy standing in flooded fields. Subramaniam, a farmer from Kakanallur village, told PTI Videos: “The back-to-back southwest and northeast monsoons left us no time to harvest. Even paddy that was harvested cannot be collected due to the early rains. Immediate doorstep procurement of rice could ease the burden on farmers.”

In several affected villages, paddy stalks are bent under the weight of water, and in some areas, grains have begun sprouting from the base, indicating damage to the standing crop.

Will Schools and Colleges Be Closed in Tamil Nadu Tomorrow, October 22?

With the red and orange alerts issued across Tamil Nadu, several districts are witnessing heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. Waterlogging has been reported in parts of Thoothukudi, prompting the District Administration to declare a holiday for schools in the district on Thursday due to continuous downpours.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said, “Light to moderate rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Chengalpattu, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Kanyakumari, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thenkasi, Tiruvallur, Tiruvarur, Tirunelveli, and Karaikal in the next three hours.”

Meanwhile, Puducherry has been lashed by incessant rain since Tuesday noon, disrupting normal life. Officials said nearly 3 cm of rainfall was recorded between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm.

Home and Education Minister A Namassivayam announced that due to heavy rains pounding the Puducherry and Karaikal regions, all schools and colleges there would remain closed on Wednesday.

Authorities in affected districts have been advised to closely monitor weather updates and take local decisions regarding school and college operations based on conditions. Residents are urged to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official advisories for their safety.

Safety Measures and Emergency Tips for Residents Amid Heavy Rains

Authorities advise residents to:

• Avoid flooded roads and low-lying areas
• Keep essential supplies, including drinking water and medicines, ready
• Follow updates from the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA)
• Cooperate with local emergency teams for evacuation if required

With the northeast monsoon showing no signs of easing, the state government has called for heightened vigilance in coastal and delta regions, stressing the importance of early preparation and community support.