Chennai opens reservoir shutters as Cyclone Ditwah nears

India Nov 28, 2025

With Cyclone Ditwah heading toward north Tamil Nadu, Chennai officials opened the shutters of three major reservoirs on Thursday to get ahead of possible flooding.
The Red Hills Reservoir kicked off its fifth water release this monsoon, aiming to keep things safe for neighborhoods downstream.

Record water levels and flood prevention moves

Right now, Red Hills is 85% full—pretty impressive for this time of year. Since mid-October, it's released enough water to cover two weeks' drinking supply for the city.
Chembarambakkam and Poondi reservoirs are also letting out water to lower flood risks.
Altogether, Chennai's five main reservoirs are holding more water than last year, with the Water Resources Department keeping a close watch as the northeast monsoon continues.