NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, OCT 19
Torrential rains lashed Tamil Nadu’s Theni district over the weekend, triggering flash floods that inundated several villages and destroyed hundreds of acres of standing crops. The downpour — described by residents as the heaviest in over 30 years — forced mass evacuations as the Vaigai river overflowed, flooding Uthamapalayam, Veerapandi, Uppukottai, and Palanichettipatti.
சென்னை எழிலகத்தில் உள்ள மாநில அவசரகால செயல்பாட்டு மையத்திற்கு மாண்புமிகு முதலமைச்சர் @mkstalin அவர்கள் நேரில் சென்று, வடகிழக்குப் பருவமழை காரணமாக மேற்கொள்ளப்பட்டுள்ள முன்னேற்பாடு நடவடிக்கைகள் மற்றும் ஆயத்த நிலைகள் குறித்து ஆய்வு மேற்கொண்டார். pic.twitter.com/1g6YlWw6k9
— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) October 19, 2025
Over 200 acres of harvest-ready paddy have been submerged, while banana, coconut, and maize plantations suffered extensive damage. Local officials reported the loss of 60 goats and 7,500 poultry birds, and at least 18 houses were partially damaged.
- Over 200 acres of harvest-ready paddy submerged as Vaigai river breaches banks; relief teams race to rescue stranded families
- CM reviews flood-hit zones, orders immediate compensation and restoration of damaged roads and homes
“The situation is critical but under control. Continuous rainfall from the Western Ghats and inflow from the Mullaperiyar have swollen the Vaigai. Rescue teams are working round the clock,” said P. Kumaraguru, District Collector, Theni.
The Veerapandi Gowmariamman Temple and surrounding settlements were completely cut off as the connecting road was washed away. Public halls and schools have been converted into temporary shelters, and food packets and medical aid are being distributed by the district administration and local NGOs.
“We have deployed NDRF and Fire and Rescue Services personnel with JCBs and boats. Our priority is to ensure zero casualties,” said S. Duraikannu, Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management.
As the incessant downpour continued, the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department increased discharge from the Mullaperiyar Dam, leading to a surge in the Vaigai Dam’s water level.
All 13 shutters of Mullaperiyar were opened by 1 pm on Saturday, releasing 7,163 cusecs of water, prompting an alert in the downstream regions.
“We are in constant coordination with Kerala on regulated discharge from Mullaperiyar. People in low-lying areas must strictly avoid venturing near rivers or waterfalls,” said Durai Murugan, Minister for Water Resources.
Authorities have banned bathing in Suruli Waterfalls and issued public advisories against crossing rivers or venturing into flooded areas.
Meanwhile, southern districts including Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Tuticorin, and Virudhunagar received heavy rains overnight, while the northern belt — Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, and Villupuram — also witnessed moderate to heavy showers, disrupting normal life.
Chief Minister M. K. Stalin reviewed the situation via video conference with collectors of affected districts, directing immediate disbursal of compensation for crop loss and restoration of damaged roads.
“Every affected family will be supported. No one will be left behind — the government stands with our farmers and residents in this difficult time,” said M. K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
