Heavy rains triggered by Cyclone Ditwah led authorities in Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Kanchipuram to declare a holiday for all schools and colleges on December 2 as a precautionary measure. District administrations announced the shutdown late Monday, citing the need to ensure student safety amid warnings of intense rainfall and potential waterlogging.
Officials have urged residents to remain alert, avoid non-essential travel, and follow advisories issued by the state government and disaster management teams. According to state authorities, three people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents linked to Cyclone Ditwah.
On Monday, continuous moderate to heavy rain impacted Chennai and nearby districts, inundating several roads, low-lying areas, and residential colonies. Parts of Velachery, including AGS Colony, were submerged, while incidents such as a sinking car and a stranded government bus in Poonamallee highlighted the severity of the situation. Traffic congestion was reported across major junctions, including the Kathipara flyover.
The meteorological department forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over Chennai and Tiruvallur until Tuesday morning as the weakened cyclone hovered near the Tamil Nadu&ndash;Puducherry coastline.
Chief Minister M. K. Stalin announced immediate compensation through the State Disaster Response Fund for farmers affected by crop loss, as well as for families impacted by damage to homes, livestock loss, and other monsoon-related consequences. He stated that relief camps would continue to receive essential facilities until conditions improved.
Senior ministers and Chennai Corporation officials inspected relief operations at the Integrated Command and Control Centre, where teams were deployed to manage flooding, remove stagnation, and restore normalcy. Officials reported that 22 subways were cleared of water through swift intervention. Over 1,400 motor pumps, heavy-duty machinery, and more than 22,000 personnel were mobilised for emergency response.
A flood alert has been issued for the Adyar, Kosasthalaiyar, and Araniyar rivers due to rising inflows expected across Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur districts.

Heavy rains from Cyclone Ditwah force shutdowns, flooding, and emergency measures

Cyclone Ditwah: Chennai Schools Shut Amid Rains

Heavy rains from Cyclone Ditwah force shutdowns, flooding, and emergency measures

December 2, 2025 | 15:12 IST