Chennai Schools Shut as Cyclone Ditwah Brings Heavy Rainfall

Due to heavy rains caused by Cyclone Ditwah, schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Kanchipuram districts will remain closed on December 2. District authorities announced the decision late on Monday as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students.

Students were seen navigating waterlogged areas near their schools amid the persistent downpour in Chennai. The district collectors of the three regions confirmed that all educational institutions would observe a holiday on December 2 following weather alerts issued by the state government. Officials emphasized that the closure is a precaution to protect students from the risks of flooding and heavy rainfall.

Authorities have also urged residents to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow the instructions provided by the state government and disaster management agencies. The state Disaster Management Minister K K S S R Ramachandran reported that three people have already died due to rain-related incidents in Tamil Nadu caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Heavy rain continued to lash Chennai and nearby districts on Monday, leading to the flooding of roads, highways, and low-lying residential areas. In Velachery, parts of AGS Colony were marooned, while a car sank and a government bus got stranded in Poonamallee due to sudden waterlogging. Traffic congestion was reported across the city, including the busy Kathipara flyover. Officials noted that sudden inundation and potholes in service roads may have caused some vehicles to get stuck.

The weather office forecast that heavy to very heavy rain is expected to continue in Chennai and Tiruvallur districts till Tuesday morning, as the remnants of Cyclone Ditwah linger near the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast. Residents have been warned to take precautions, especially in low-lying areas.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced that compensation from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) would be provided for the loss of agricultural crops, human lives, livestock, and damaged houses due to the northeast monsoon, which began in October. He stated that the government is actively monitoring efforts to drain rainwater in flood-affected areas and will ensure that relief camps have all necessary facilities.

Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, along with ministers and officials, inspected rain relief work at the Greater Chennai Corporation’s Integrated Command and Control Centre. Officials reported that prompt action helped keep 22 subways in Chennai free from stagnant water. Special medical camps were set up in affected areas, and 1,496 motor pumps along with "super sucker trucks" were deployed for water drainage. In total, around 22,000 personnel, including engineers and officials, were mobilized to assist residents.

Additionally, a flood warning has been issued due to expected high water inflows in rivers such as Adyar, Kosasthalaiyar, and Araniar across Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chennai districts. Residents are advised to stay alert, avoid non-essential travel, and closely follow further advisories from the authorities.

The state government continues to coordinate rescue operations and provide aid to those affected by the heavy rainfall, ensuring that safety and relief measures are in place for all residents in the impacted areas.