Authorities in Chennai and Tiruvallur districts have declared a full shutdown of all educational institutions on Thursday, citing the unrelenting heavy rains triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. Over the last several days, the region has been battered by continuous downpours, leading to widespread waterlogging and disruptions in daily life. Officials have urged caution among residents, particularly in vulnerable low-lying zones of South Chennai where flooding remains a concern. Municipal teams are deploying pumps around the clock to clear accumulated water from neighborhoods, aiming to restore access to roads and homes.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has escalated warnings with a red alert for coastal and inland areas, predicting intense rainfall across Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram until midday Thursday. What began as the formidable Cyclonic Storm Ditwah in the southwest Bay of Bengal has now dissipated into a pronounced low-pressure system, yet it persists in unleashing torrential showers over multiple districts. Inland spots like Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Tiruvannamalai have seen episodic heavy precipitation with only brief respites, prompting close surveillance of river levels and flood-prone sites to safeguard communities.
ALSO READ : Cyclone Ditwah : Andhra Pradesh Braces for Downpours and Gust
In a direct response to the deluge, the University of Madras has deferred all undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional degree theory exams originally set for Wednesday. Registrar Prof. Rita John confirmed the postponement, noting that fresh schedules will be released soon and encouraging students to monitor official channels for guidance. Details on Thursday’s planned assessments remain pending amid the evolving weather crisis.
The onslaught has ripple effects beyond academia, with arterial roadways submerged and traffic crawling at a snail’s pace, hampering commutes and commerce. Small-scale vendors and day laborers are among the hardest hit, struggling to navigate the chaos for basic operations. Local officials have reiterated calls for the public to steer clear of inundated paths and adhere to safety directives.
Even as nature’s wrath unfolds, cultural rhythms endure. At Tiruvannamalai’s storied Arunachaleshwarar Temple, the sacred rites of the Karthigai Deepam festival pressed on through the storm. Devotees braved the early Thursday drizzle as priests kindled the Bharani Deepam within the temple’s inner chamber, underscoring the resilience of Tamil Nadu’s time-honored observances.
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