Heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclonic Storm Ditwah over the Bay of Bengal has led authorities to close schools in Chennai and Tiruvallur districts as a precautionary measure.
Several coastal areas in Chennai, Tiruvallur and neighbouring districts witnessed intense downpours accompanied by strong winds as the weakened system lingered over the region. Citing persistent rain and widespread waterlogging, Chennai District Collector Rashmi Siddharth Jagde extended the school holiday for Thursday, marking the third consecutive day of closures.
In Tiruvallur, District Collector Pratap announced a holiday for schools on Thursday due to heavy rainfall in certain parts of the district. Government offices and other establishments continued to operate as usual.
By Thursday morning, rainfall had eased in many parts of Chennai, offering some relief to residents who have been dealing with waterlogged roads, traffic disruptions and damp conditions since the start of the week. Brief spells of clear skies also raised hopes of further improvement. The Regional Meteorological Centre said rainfall is likely to gradually decrease over the next 24 hours as the system weakens further.
However, parts of Chengalpattu district continued to receive heavy showers. Areas under the Chengalpattu and Kattankulathur unions—including Kolathur, Balur and Appur—reported sharp spells accompanied by thunder and lightning.
Heavy runoff from the Ninnakarai forest area led to flooding in the Kairampedu region, affecting stretches along the Kuduvanchery–Kottamedu Road. Near the Perumattunallur bus stand, rainwater streamed along both sides of the road, slowing vehicular movement. In Vishnupriya Nagar near Guduvanchery, most streets were submerged, with rainwater entering more than a hundred houses. The flooding has raised concerns about drainage infrastructure in the fast-growing suburbs.
While weather conditions in Chennai have begun to improve, authorities continue to monitor vulnerable areas and have advised residents to remain cautious, as intermittent rain is still expected.
(IANS)
