Cyclone Ditwah: Schools closed in Chennai, nearby districts as heavy rain alert issued

Schools and colleges across Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram will remain closed today as authorities brace for heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Ditwah.

The decision was taken late Monday as a precautionary step following weather alerts. Chennai District Collector announced a holiday for all educational institutions on December 2, citing the risk of intense rainfall and waterlogging. Similar orders were issued by district authorities in Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram. Officials have urged residents to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and strictly follow advisories issued by the state government and disaster management agencies.

The impact of Cyclone Ditwah has already been severe. Tamil Nadu Disaster Management Minister K K S S R Ramachandran said three people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents in the state.

Meanwhile, the devastation is far greater in Sri Lanka, where at least 334 deaths have been confirmed, with rising floodwaters inundating parts of the capital, Colombo. In response, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28, sending 53 tonnes of relief material.

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Rescue operations are underway with Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and MI-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force, operating in coordination with the Sri Lankan Air Force. Several stranded civilians, including pregnant women, infants and critically injured people of multiple nationalities, have been safely evacuated.