Cyclone Ditwah Drenches Chennai, Schools, Colleges Shut
Chennai and its suburbs woke up to the wettest morning of the season on Monday as heavy rain triggered by Cyclone Ditwah swept across the region. The downpour disrupted traffic, flooded several neighbourhoods and prompted authorities to declare a holiday for all schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu.
Heavy Rain and Weather Alerts
The system, now weakened into a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, brought intense early-morning showers. The India Meteorological Department issued red and orange alerts for multiple districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and possible flooding. Many low-lying areas in the city saw waterlogging within hours, causing delays and slow-moving traffic.
Schools and Colleges Closed as Precaution
District administrations announced a shutdown of all government, aided and private educational institutions for Tuesday. Officials said the decision was taken due to safety concerns, especially with the possibility of more rain and difficulty in commuting.
Daily Life Disrupted
Continuous showers led to flooding on key roads, affecting office-goers and public transport. Several stretches were partially submerged, and residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
Forecast and Advisory
Meteorologists expect the weakened system to remain close to the Tamil Nadu coast for some time, with intermittent rain likely to continue. Authorities have urged the public to stay alert, especially in flood-prone areas, and follow official advisories until conditions improve.
