Amid warnings of heavy rainfall issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), schools in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district were closed on Thursday, as waterlogging and flooding affected several parts of the region. The District Administration declared the holiday to ensure the safety of students and residents in areas experiencing severe weather.

According to a tweet from the IMD on Wednesday, “Light to moderate rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Chengalpattu, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Kanyakumari, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thenkasi, Tiruvallur, Tiruvarur, Tirunelveli, Karaikal in the next three hours.” The warning highlighted the potential for widespread disruption due to heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in these districts.

Waterlogging in Thoothukudi

In Thoothukudi, heavy rain combined with thunder and lightning has led to localized waterlogging in residential and low-lying areas. The persistent rainfall has affected normal life, prompting the administration to act swiftly in closing schools. Residents reported water entering homes and streets, causing disruption to daily activities.

The heavy rains are part of a broader weather pattern affecting Tamil Nadu and neighboring regions. The IMD has forecast continued rainfall over the next few days, prompting local authorities to maintain heightened alert levels and mobilize emergency services to prevent damage and ensure public safety.

Flooding in Vellore and Surrounding Areas

The impact of heavy rainfall was also felt in Vellore, particularly around Latteri and adjacent villages. Pallathur Lake near Latteri reached full capacity due to the heavy inflow of rainwater and began to overflow. The excess water from the lake flowed into the Kanaaru stream, which traverses more than 20 villages before joining Latteri Lake.

However, drainage canals connecting Pallathur and Latteri had not been desilted in advance, leading to breaches along the embankments of the Kanaaru stream. This caused water to spill into nearby farmlands and enter Koraipattarai village, affecting residents and agricultural land. Villagers have urged authorities to inspect and clear blockages in the stream to prevent further flooding in residential areas.

Precautionary Measures and Warnings

The IMD has issued alerts for Vellore, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning until October 16, 2025. Local authorities have urged people to stay indoors during heavy rains and avoid travel through flood-prone areas. Emergency services have been put on standby to respond to any incidents of waterlogging or breaches in river embankments.

The district administration has also coordinated with schools, hospitals, and other essential services to ensure continued functioning despite the adverse weather. Residents have been advised to monitor official updates from the IMD and local authorities regularly.

Protests and Farmer Demands in Karnataka

Meanwhile, the heavy rains and flooding have sparked protests in nearby regions of Karnataka. Organizations like the Kalyana Karnataka Horata Samiti have called for a Kalaburagi Bandh to press for relief measures following recent floods and excess rainfall.

Farmer leader Dayanand Patil highlighted three major demands from the government:

1. Waiver of farm loans for affected farmers.
2. Funds under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to aid recovery.
3. Compensation of ₹25,000 per acre for crop losses due to flooding.

The protests underscore the broader challenges posed by extreme rainfall events in South India, which affect both urban infrastructure and rural livelihoods. Authorities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are facing increasing pressure to improve drainage systems, desilt canals, and ensure timely flood relief to affected communities.

Looking Ahead

With the monsoon season still influencing weather patterns, meteorologists warn that additional rainfall is likely over several districts in Tamil Nadu. Authorities have urged residents in flood-prone and low-lying areas to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow instructions from local officials.

The closure of schools in Thoothukudi reflects the precautionary approach adopted by the administration to safeguard children and reduce risks associated with travel during heavy rains. Local disaster management teams continue to monitor water levels in lakes and rivers and are coordinating with state authorities for timely interventions.

This recent round of rainfall serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining drainage systems, embankments, and early-warning mechanisms to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events on both urban and rural populations.