Cyclone Ditwah Triggers School Shutdowns in Tamil Nadu; 3 Dead in State, Sri Lanka Toll Rises Sharply
Tamil Nadu Shuts Schools and Colleges as Cyclone Ditwah Brings Heavy Rain: With Cyclone Ditwah brushing past the Indian coastline and unleashing heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu, authorities in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram have ordered all schools and colleges to remain closed today as a safety precaution. The shutdown applies to both government and private institutions, given the risk of flooding and waterlogging in multiple low-lying regions.
Chennai District Collector Roshni Siddharth Jagade announced the closure late last night, citing the continuous downpour and updated weather alerts. District collectors of Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram issued identical directives soon thereafter, urging parents and students to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary.
Local administrations have warned residents about the possibility of intense rainfall, strong winds and flash floods as the cyclone’s outer bands continue to affect the northern coastal belt. Emergency response teams, rescue units and medical squads have been placed on standby across all three districts.
A similar precaution was taken earlier in Puducherry, where schools were shut on December 1 following the direction of Home and Education Minister A. Namassivayam, who cited the cyclone’s rainfall impact on the region.
Latest Cyclone Ditwah Update
Tamil Nadu has reported three deaths in rain-related incidents linked to Cyclone Ditwah, state Disaster Management Minister K.S.S.R. Ramachandran confirmed. The incidents include electrocution and structural collapses caused by the heavy showers lashing the state.
The situation is far more severe in Sri Lanka, where 334 people have been confirmed dead as floodwaters continue to rise in parts of Colombo and surrounding districts. The island nation is battling widespread destruction, with disaster management agencies struggling to reach several marooned communities, according to initial reports.
Authorities Urge Caution
Residents in the affected Indian districts are advised to:
- Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel
- Follow updates from the IMD, state governments and disaster response teams
- Stay prepared for possible power disruptions
- Keep emergency supplies accessible
As Cyclone Ditwah continues its weakening but destructive course, officials warn that the next 24 hours remain critical for coastal Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
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