Flood alert issued along Thamirabarani river as heavy rain lashes southern districts

The Karairuppu irrigation tank near Tirunelveli overflows following continues rain in Tirunelveli district.
| Photo Credit:
A. SHAIKMOHIDEEN

Water being released from Korampallam tank in Thoothukudi on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
N. RAJESH

Waterlogging at Pusumpon Nagar Miyawaki in Thoothukudi on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
N. RAJESH

As the northeast monsoon intensifies over southern districts, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari districts are experiencing widespread rainfall.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, the low pressure area that persisted over the Malacca Strait and adjoining South Andaman Sea intensified into a well-marked low pressure area on Sunday. It is likely to move in west-northwest direction and may further intensify into a depression over southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining South Andaman Sea on Monday (November 24). Continuing in the same direction, it may intensify into a cyclone over southeast Bay of Bengal within the following 48 hours.

Owing to this system, the southern districts are receiving continuous rain. Though the downpour subsided on Sunday morning, it began to drizzle after 11 a.m. and continued intermittently.

In Thoothukudi, several low-lying areas were waterlogged. Due to the downpour, a flood alert was given by the district administration for residents living by the Thamirabharani. Similarly, heavy rainfall in Ottapidaram and Kayathar regions caused flash floods in Uppar odai. About 1,000 cusecs of surplus water is being released from Korampallam tank into Uppar odai. About 15,250 cusecs of water from Marudhur anicut and 11,060 water from Srivaikuntam anicut are being released into the Thamirabarani.

Hence, the district administration has issued an alert to residents living in villages along the Thamirabarani from Kaliyavur to Punnaikayal, asking them not to enter the river for bathing.

In view of the heavy rainfall forecast, two NDRF teams have been deployed to Thoothukudi for rescue operations.

Similarly, Tenkasi and Tirunelveli district experienced continuous rainfall throughout Sunday. In Kanniyakumari, the sky remained overcast and showers persisted throughout the day.

As a precautionary measure, an NDRF team arrived in Tirunelveli.

Rainfall

The rainfall received in Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, Kanniyakumari and Tirunelveli ending at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday (in mm): Thoothukudi 25, Tiruchendur 133, Kulasekarapattinam 129, Kayathar 113, Sathankulam 94, Srivaikuntam 77.70, Tenkasi 62, Ayikudi 70, Shencottah 86, Kottaram 22.4, Nagercoil 11, Balamore 32.2, Chittar I 34.2, Kalial 28.4, Manjolai 210, Kakkachi 225, Nalumukku 256 and Oothu 250.

Due to the intense rainfall, the district administration of Tirunelveli and Tenkasi have declared a holiday for schools and colleges on Monday. In Thoothukudi, only schools have declared a holiday.

Exams postponed

Following an advisory issued by the Tamil Nadu government, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University has postponed the November 2025 semester examination scheduled on Monday (November 24) in its affiliated colleges and university departments in view of heavy rainfall.

The revised date for the examination will be announced later, a statement from the university said.