Tirunelveli Flood Update: Heavy Rains, Rising River Levels & Holiday for Schools – Full Report (24 November 2025)

The northeast monsoon has intensified across the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, and Tirunelveli is witnessing one of the heaviest rainfall spells of this season. On Monday, 24 November 2025, continuous overnight rain, flooding across key locations, and rising water levels in the Thamirabarani River pushed authorities to declare a holiday for all schools and colleges in the district. The developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal has significantly increased rainfall activity across the region, creating challenges for residents, farmers, and local authorities.

This detailed blog post covers everything that is happening on the ground — the flood situation, weather updates, safety concerns, agricultural losses, and what residents can expect in the coming days.

Flood Situation: Thamirabarani in Full Flow

The most alarming situation today is the Thamirabarani River, which is flowing at a dangerously high level due to heavy rains in the Western Ghats and upper catchment areas. Continuous inflow has pushed the river to its full spate.

One of the notable locations affected is the Kurukkuthurai Murugan Temple, which is now partially submerged under rising floodwaters. Videos and images circulating locally show fast-moving water surrounding the temple steps, making the area unsafe for the public.

Waterfall Zones Restricted — Flash Flood at Manimuthar

The Manimuthar region, including Manimuthar Falls, continues to remain under strict restrictions. Due to sudden flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall, the forest department has banned public entry for the fifth consecutive day. Rising water levels in the falls and check dam make this area especially risky, and tourists are advised to stay away until further updates from officials.

IMD Warnings: Flash Flood Risks Across Southern TN

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a flash flood risk alert for Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, and Kanniyakumari districts.
Officials have also warned of:

• Localised flooding

• Strong winds

• Sudden water-level rise in rivers and streams

• Risky travel conditions near hills and water bodies

Residents living near riverbanks, lakes, and waterfalls have been strongly advised to follow safety guidelines and stay alert for district-level updates.

SDRF Team Deployed for Emergency Response

To handle the worsening weather situation, a team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been stationed in Tirunelveli. Their role includes:

• Assisting in possible evacuations

• Monitoring flood-prone areas

• Supporting local administration with rescue operations

• Handling emergencies related to heavy waterlogging

With more rainfall expected, authorities may deploy additional teams if required.

Impact on Daily Life: School Holiday & Exam Postponement

The district administration has officially declared a holiday for all schools and colleges today. This includes government, private, aided, and matriculation institutions.

In addition:

• Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU) has postponed the semester exams scheduled for today.

• Colleges affiliated with MSU will issue revised exam dates soon.

Parents and students are advised to monitor official updates from their institutions.

Agricultural Losses: Banana Plantations Hit Hard

One of the biggest impacts of this rainfall has been on agriculture. Strong winds combined with continuous rain have destroyed over 150 acres of banana plantations in and around Tirunelveli district. Many farmers have reported heavy losses running into several lakhs.

The initial assessment shows:

• Entire fields flattened by wind

• Water stagnation affecting standing crops

• Damage to newly planted banana saplings

• Loss of income for upcoming harvest cycles

Farmer associations have appealed for government compensation and immediate relief.

Weather System Behind the Heavy Rain

The current spell of intense rainfall is driven by a combination of two active systems:

1. Cyclonic Circulation Over South Sri Lankan Sea

Moisture-heavy winds from the Indian Ocean and Sri Lankan coast are pushing large rain bands into southern Tamil Nadu.

2. Low-Pressure Area Over Southwest Bay of Bengal

This system is strengthening and feeding continuous rainfall into Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanniyakumari and nearby districts.

These two systems together are creating:

• Non-stop rainfall

• Thunderstorm activity

• Strong winds

• Increased cloud formation

Meteorologists expect these conditions to persist for another 24–48 hours.

Weather Forecast for Tirunelveli Today

According to regional weather models, residents can expect:

• Moderate to heavy rain throughout the day

• Periodic thunderstorms in the afternoon

• Reduced visibility on highways

• Risk of waterlogging in low-lying neighbourhoods

• Slippery conditions on ghat roads

Travelers are advised to avoid unnecessary long-distance travel today.

Areas to Watch Out For

Based on today’s rainfall intensity, the following areas may experience waterlogging or rising water levels:

• Palayamkottai

• Pettai

• Vannarpettai

• KTC Nagar

• Cheranmahadevi

• Nanguneri

• Ambasamudram

• Papanasam (river-connected zones)

People living near irrigation channels, “odais,” and tank overflows should remain alert.

Safety Tips for Residents

Here are some essential safety measures recommended by authorities:

• Avoid going near riverbanks, especially the Thamirabarani.

• Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or bridges.

• Keep mobile phones charged in case of power disruptions.

• Store drinking water and essentials.

• Farmers should avoid entering flooded fields.

• Follow IMD, district collector, and police alerts closely.

• Avoid visiting waterfalls, forest areas, or hill roads.

With more rain expected, these precautions can help prevent accidents.

What to Expect in the Next 48 Hours

If the Bay of Bengal system intensifies into a depression or weak cyclone, Tirunelveli may continue to receive:

• Widespread rainfall

• Strong winds

• Flash-flood-like conditions near tributaries

• Higher inflow into dams

Authorities are monitoring reservoir levels closely to prevent sudden releases that may affect downstream areas

Tirunelveli is facing a challenging weather situation as heavy rainfall continues to lash the district due to strengthened monsoon activity and a developing low-pressure system. The rising water level in the Thamirabarani, flash floods in Manimuthar, agricultural losses, school closures, and the deployment of SDRF all highlight the seriousness of the situation.

Residents are encouraged to remain cautious, follow official advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel today. With rainfall expected to continue, staying updated through reliable sources will help ensure safety for everyone in the district.