Tamil Nadu – Educational institutions across Chennai will remain shut on December 3 as authorities respond to severe weather conditions triggered by the remnants of Cyclone Ditwah. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued multiple alerts warning residents of very heavy rainfall expected to continue battering Tamil Nadu throughout Wednesday due to which the update of Chennai schools closed was issued by IMD.
IMD Issues Orange and Yellow Alerts for Tamil Nadu
The meteorological department has issued a series of yellow and orange alerts across various districts in Tamil Nadu, signaling potentially dangerous weather conditions. The IMD predicted heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in several key districts, including Chennai, Cuddalore, Kancheepuram, and Thanjavur. These warnings have prompted education officials to announce that Chennai schools closed as a precautionary measure to ensure student safety.
Light to moderate rainfall is also expected on Wednesday in districts such as Coimbatore, Madurai, Theni, Tiruppur, and Nilgiris, extending the weather system’s impact across the state.
Cyclone Ditwah’s Current Position and Movement
Cyclone Ditwah weakened into a depression on Tuesday after making its presence felt across the region. At 5:30 pm IST on December 2, the depression lay centered over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, moving southwestwards at a speed of 3 kilometers per hour.
The system was positioned approximately 60 kilometers northeast of Puducherry and 80 kilometers south of Chennai. The minimum distance of the depression’s center from the Indian mainland was about 25 kilometers from the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts, placing it dangerously close to heavily populated areas.
Widespread Impact Across Tamil Nadu Districts
The decision to keep Chennai schools closed on December 3 follows similar closures on Tuesday when schools in Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Kanchipuram remained shut as heavy rain continued from morning hours. The persistent downpour has caused significant disruption across multiple districts.
Heavy rainfall lashed Madurai on Tuesday, resulting in severe waterlogging across several areas, including South Masi Street. The widespread precipitation led to inundation in numerous parts of Chennai, Chengelpet, and Kanchipuram, severely affecting normal life and daily activities.
Agricultural Losses and Infrastructure Damage
Revenue Minister KKSSR Ramachandran revealed the extensive damage caused by the relentless rainfall. Several acres of crops have been destroyed, dealing a significant blow to local farmers already struggling with seasonal challenges. The minister reported that 1,601 tenements suffered damage due to rain-related incidents.
Tragically, four people lost their lives in rain-related incidents across the state, highlighting the serious nature of the weather emergency that necessitated Chennai schools closed orders.
Record Rainfall Figures in Chennai
Chennai experienced exceptionally heavy precipitation during the 24-hour period from December 1 to December 2. According to official data, the city received an average of 15 centimeters of rainfall during this period, contributing to the widespread flooding and waterlogging that prompted authorities to announce Chennai schools closed for safety reasons.
This substantial rainfall has overwhelmed drainage systems in several areas, leading to significant accumulation of water on roads and residential neighborhoods.
Emergency Response and Relief Measures
The Greater Chennai Corporation has mobilized extensive resources to manage the crisis. Approximately 22,000 personnel, including officials and workers, have been deployed across the city to carry out rain-related work. Their primary responsibilities include removing clogs from drains, clearing waterlogged areas, and ensuring that drainage systems function effectively.
These emergency teams are working round-the-clock to mitigate the impact of the heavy rainfall and restore normalcy to affected areas as quickly as possible.
Precautionary Measures and Public Safety
The announcement that Chennai schools closed reflects the administration’s priority on public safety during extreme weather events. Educational authorities acted swiftly to prevent students from traveling through potentially hazardous conditions, including flooded roads and compromised infrastructure.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary and to avoid traveling through waterlogged areas. The continuing rainfall and unstable weather patterns make outdoor activities particularly risky during this period.
Weather Outlook for Coming Days
As the depression continues its southwestward movement, authorities remain vigilant about changing weather patterns. The IMD continues to monitor the system closely and will issue updated alerts as conditions evolve. With Chennai schools closed and emergency services on high alert, the focus remains on minimizing casualties and property damage while the region weathers this significant meteorological event.
Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and follow all safety guidelines issued by local authorities until weather conditions stabilize across Tamil Nadu.
