Chennai Schools Closed as Cyclone Ditwah Delivers Heavy Rains

In response to significant rainfall brought by Cyclone Ditwah, educational institutions in Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Kanchipuram will close on December 2. This precautionary measure was announced by district authorities late Monday, aimed at ensuring the wellbeing of students.

As heavy rain continues in Chennai, students are seen navigating through waterlogged areas adjacent to their schools. The district collectors confirmed that all educational facilities will be observing a holiday on December 2, in light of weather warnings from the state government. Officials reiterated that this closure is essential to mitigate risks related to flooding and torrential rain.

Officials are urging community members to be vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and adhere to guidelines from the state government and disaster management agencies. According to the state’s Disaster Management Minister K K S S R Ramachandran, three fatalities have occurred due to weather-related incidents in Tamil Nadu linked to Cyclone Ditwah.

The heavy rain persisted in Chennai and surrounding areas on Monday, resulting in flooded streets, highways, and low-lying residential zones. In Velachery, certain sections of AGS Colony experienced significant flooding, with a vehicle submerged and a government bus stranded in Poonamallee due to sudden water accumulation. Traffic jams were reported throughout the city, particularly at the busy Kathipara flyover. Officials indicated that the rapid inundation and potholes likely contributed to vehicles becoming stuck.

The weather bureau has predicted that heavy rain will continue in both Chennai and Tiruvallur districts into Tuesday morning, as Cyclone Ditwah’s remnants persist near the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast. Residents, especially in low-lying regions, are encouraged to take necessary precautions.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced that support from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) would be allocated for losses concerning agricultural crops, human lives, livestock, and property damage due to the northeast monsoon that began in October. He emphasized that the government is closely overseeing the management of rainwater in affected areas and is committed to providing essential resources at relief camps.

Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, along with various ministers and officials, assessed the rain relief activities at the Greater Chennai Corporation’s Integrated Command and Control Centre. Reports indicated that swift actions enabled the maintenance of 22 subways in Chennai without stagnant water buildup. Medical camps were set up in the affected districts, deploying 1,496 motor pumps along with "super sucker trucks" for efficient water drainage. Approximately 22,000 personnel, including engineers and officials, are actively involved in assisting local residents.

Moreover, a flood warning has been issued due to anticipated high water inflows in the rivers Adyar, Kosasthalaiyar, and Araniar across the regions of Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chennai. Residents should stay vigilant, limit non-essential travel, and adhere closely to further advisories from authorities.

The state government remains dedicated to coordinating rescue operations and supplying assistance to those impacted by the relentless rainfall, ensuring that safety and support measures are effectively implemented for all affected residents.