Residents in several areas had to walk in knee-deep water after heavy rain in Vedaranyam on November 29, 2025 | Photo credit: R. Vengadesh
Vedaranyam taluk in Nagapattinam district remained one of the worst-hit regions on Saturday (November 29, 2025) with heavy rainfall under the influence of Cyclone Ditwah inundating major roads, leaving residential pockets and inundating large tracts of agricultural land.
The main roads through Vedaranyam village were under water after incessant rain since Friday. Flooding was particularly intense on the Pattukottai–Vedaranyam road near the city entrance, slowing movement in and out of the taluk headquarters.
Along the coast, the sea became rough at Kodiyakkarai, forcing fishermen to stop all boats along the coast. Strong waves and increased winds from the outer bands of the cyclone kept nearshore activity suspended throughout the day.
Nearly 9,000 acres of salt pans in Vedaranyam lay submerged after the downpour. Salt production for the year ended by the end of September, officials and workers said.
Vedaranyam salt pans lie submerged on November 29, 2025 after continuous rains | Photo credit: R. Vengadesh
Flooding also affected several residential pockets. In Ward 9 – Gandhi Nagar, Vettavaran Kadu and Mandi Thoppu, affecting daily movement in these quarters. Residents said flooding has recurred every year as canals remain undrained, leaving low-lying areas vulnerable even during mild seasons.
Electricity supply has been cut since Saturday morning and residents said no official has visited the area despite repeated calls for help.
In Kodiyakkadu (Kizhakku Theru), water reached several households, forcing families to move to anganwadi within the panchayat. Food was provided to the displaced.
P. Valamba, one of the residents relocated to the camp, said: “All our belongings are surrounded by water. That’s why we had to move here. We need the government to build permanent houses for our families – we face the same problem every year.”
Rainfall records showed the intensity of the spell. Kodiyakkarai received 20.3cm of rain from 6am on Friday to 6am on Saturday, followed by another 9.4cm between 8.30am and 6.30pm the same day.
The Thiruthuraipoondi-Pattukottai main road, especially near the Vedaranyam town entrance, was under rain water throughout the day. Aid distribution was underway in parts of the coastal belt, with Kodiyakkarai camps providing food and basic support to affected families.
In Thalainyar, water from agricultural fields has still not drained off and paddy fields across the town panchayat and surrounding rural areas remain submerged.
Published – 29 Nov 2025 21:19 IST
