The state of Chennai and several districts in Tamil Nadu continue to grapple with heavy rainfall, prompting widespread water-logging, traffic disruptions and school closures. Schools in multiple districts were shut on Wednesday as a precautionary measure. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning for regions including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Ranipet. A well-marked low‐pressure area in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Tamil Nadu is contributing to the intense weather but is expected to weaken within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, water levels at reservoirs have rapidly risen; the state’s largest dam, Mettur Dam, has reached full capacity, prompting the new release of excess water by the Water Resources Department of Tamil Nadu. In some districts, more than 16,000 hectares of farmland have already been inundated, leading authorities to prepare compensation for farmers where over a third of crop area is damaged.