Vedaranyam taluk worst hit with widespread flooding

Vedaranyam taluk in Nagapattinam district remained one of the worst-affected regions on Saturday with heavy rainfall under the influence of Cyclone Ditwah flooding major roads, marooning residential pockets, and submerging large stretches of farmland.

Major roads across Vedaranyam municipality were under water after consistent rain since Friday. Flooding was particularly intense on the Pattukottai–Vedaranyam road near the entrance of the town, slowing movement in and out of the taluk headquarters.

Along the coast, the sea turned rough at Kodiyakkarai, forcing fishermen to halt all boats along the shore. Strong waves and intensified winds from outer bands of the cyclone kept near-shore activity suspended through the day.

Nearly 9,000 acres of salt pans in Vedaranyam lay submerged after the downpour. Salt production for the year had concluded by the end of September, officials and workers said.

Flooding also hit several residential pockets. In Ward 9 – Gandhi Nagar, Vettavaran Kadu, and Mandi Thoppu, affecting daily movement across these neighbourhoods. Residents said the flooding recurred every year as canals remain un-desilted, leaving the low-lying areas vulnerable even during moderate spells.

Power supply had been cut since Saturday morning, and residents said no official had visited the area despite repeated calls for assistance.

In Kodiyakkadu (Kizhakku Theru), water entered several households, forcing families to move to an anganwadi within the panchayat. Food was provided to those relocated.

P. Valamba, one of the residents shifted to the camp, said: “All our belongings are surrounded by water. That is why we had to move here. We need the government to build permanent houses for our families — every year we face the same problem.”

Rainfall recordings showed the intensity of the spell. Kodiyakkarai received 20.3 cm of rain from 6 a.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday, followed by another 9.4 cm between 8.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. the same day.

The Thiruthuraipoondi – Pattukottai main road, especially near the Vedaranyam town entrance, was under sheets of rainwater throughout the day. Relief distribution was under way in parts of the coastal belt, with Kodiyakkarai camps providing food and basic support to affected families.

In Thalainyar, water had still not drained from agricultural fields, and paddy plots across the town panchayat and surrounding rural areas remained submerged.