IMD Issues Rain Alert for South India; Rahul Gandhi Seeks Support

New Delhi, October 22: The India Meteorological Department has announced a heavy to very heavy rainfall alert for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala and Lakshadweep. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has expressed worry over the situation and urged Congress workers to step forward and help those hit by the rains.

The weather office said a low pressure area over the Comorin region, along with adjoining parts of south Tamil Nadu and Kerala, is likely to bring intense rain to several areas in the days ahead.

For Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, heavy to very heavy rain is expected at some places between October 22 and 26. Kerala may see similar conditions from October 22 to 25, and Lakshadweep from October 22 to 24.

On social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi wrote that he stood in solidarity with everyone affected by the heavy rains in Tamil Nadu. He requested Congress leaders and workers to reach out to affected families and support relief operations.

He also advised them to work alongside local authorities and focus particularly on senior citizens and the most vulnerable people. In a direct message to the people of Tamil Nadu, he said, “My brothers and sisters of Tamil Nadu, we stand with you. Please stay safe.”

According to the Meteorological Department, heavy to very heavy rain may persist in Tamil Nadu until October 26. Conditions are also suitable for a new low pressure area to form on Friday in the southeast Bay of Bengal and the adjoining east-central region, which may later develop into a cyclonic storm.

The department has clarified that the possible cyclone is not expected to have a direct effect on Tamil Nadu at this stage. Further details about its strength and direction will be shared later.

The northeast monsoon has become active, bringing continuous rainfall to many parts of the state. Between Tuesday and Wednesday morning, three districts recorded very heavy rainfall and 13 districts recorded heavy rainfall. Chennai's MGR Nagar led with 15.4 centimetres of rain.

On Thursday, strong rain is forecast in southern and western districts, including Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Theni, Dindigul and Madurai. Heavy rain is also likely in Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai, with thunder, lightning and strong winds possible in many places.

On Friday, very heavy rain may fall at isolated locations in Kanyakumari, Coimbatore and Nilgiris. Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchirappalli and Theni are among the districts expected to receive heavy rain.

The broader warning issued for the state states that heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds may continue across many parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry until October 26.