The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for multiple districts in Tamil Nadu while the state capital, Chennai, remains under an orange alert as the northeast monsoon strengthens. Over the past 24-48 hours, widespread heavy rain has caused uprooted trees, water-logging, traffic disruption and school closures across the region. The IMD reports that sustained rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in coastal and adjoining districts, and local disaster-management teams are on high alert. In a special review meeting, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin directed officials to prepare relief camps, ensure access to clean drinking water, open evacuation routes and roll out emergency services. Agricultural areas in districts such as Tirunelveli and parts of the southern zone are already reporting delays in paddy harvest and fear of yield loss due to water-logging. Residents in vulnerable zones have been asked to avoid non-essential travel, stay indoors during peak rain periods and keep updated via official advisories and mobile alerts. Schools and colleges in many of the affected districts have announced closures to prioritise safety and prevent students from being stranded in heavy showers or inundated roads. With the monsoon now gaining momentum and festival travel also underway, authorities warn that a twin challenge of heavy rain and public movement could test emergency response systems and infrastructure resilience.