Chennai: While schools across Tamil Nadu were scheduled to reopen today, Wednesday, October 22, after the Diwali break, intense rainfall triggered by an active northeast monsoon has led to the declaration of holidays for educational institutions in several districts. The decision comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a Red Alert for extremely heavy rainfall in multiple coastal and delta regions, prioritizing student safety over the academic calendar.
The heavy downpour, which has persisted since the Diwali festival, is being driven by a low-pressure area that has formed in the Bay of Bengal. This system, coupled with another in the Arabian Sea, is expected to bring widespread rainfall to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal areas until at least October 24, affecting both coastal and interior districts.
Tamil Nadu Rains: Red Alert Districts and Full List of School and College Closures
In response to the severe weather warning, 12 district administrations have proactively announced holidays today, October 22, for schools and colleges in Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Mayiladuthurai, Kallakurichi, Ranipet, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Cuddalore as well as for Puducherry and Karaikal.
Following the IMD’s warning, Chennai District Collector Rashmi Siddharth Jagade has declared a holiday for all schools alone in the city today. Similarly, holidays have been announced for schools and colleges in Chengalpattu and Cuddalore districts today, October 22, anticipating continued severe weather.
Orange Alert for Chennai and 11 Other Districts; Safety Precaution Cited
Beyond the Red Alert zones, an Orange Alert has been issued for 12 districts, including Chennai, Kanchipuram, and several others. In Chennai and its suburbs, where incessant rains have already caused waterlogging in many areas, the District Collector announced a holiday for all schools.
Meanwhile, a comprehensive Red Alert is in effect today for the districts of Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Mayiladuthurai, Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Cuddalore as well as for Puducherry and Karaikal.