Thoothukudi Submerged: Tamil Nadu Battles Severe Floods Ahead of Diwali

As of October 21, 2025, Tamil Nadu is grappling with severe waterlogging in the Thoothukudi region due to heavy rainfall over the past four days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places across the state, including Chennai, Madurai, and several other districts, during the upcoming Diwali festival.

In response to the IMD's forecast of heavy rainfall on October 22 and 23, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has nearly doubled the number of flood relief centers in the city, from 116 to 215. Residents have been urged to contact the GCC helpline to locate the nearest relief center within their zone. Prominent public spaces, including Pitty Thyagaraya Hall and Amma Arangam, along with several private schools and auditoriums, have been converted into temporary shelters.

The IMD has also issued an orange alert for five northern districts of Kerala, including Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod, where the intense spell of rainfall is likely to continue until Wednesday. Most other districts in Kerala remain under a yellow alert, except Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha.