Chennai, October 16, 2024 – The Tamil Nadu government has declared a holiday for schools and colleges in four northern districts, including Tiruvallur, Chennai, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu, on Wednesday, October 16, due to heavy rainfall across the region. The announcement was made after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted extremely heavy rainfall in the coming days.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, the decision to close educational institutions was made to ensure public safety. “Given the above, the Government has decided to declare a Public Holiday tomorrow,” read the statement.
Alongside the closure of educational institutions, all government offices, including public undertakings and corporations in these districts, will also remain closed. However, essential services like police, fire departments, hospitals, banks, transport, and other critical sectors will continue to operate as usual.
Flooding and Disruptions in Chennai
Intermittent rainfall lashed Chennai on Tuesday, causing waterlogging in over 300 locations and affecting transportation. Knee-deep water accumulated in several residential areas, prompting residents to take precautions. In flood-prone areas like Ram Nagar in Madippakkam, locals parked their vehicles on higher ground, such as the Velachery bridge, to avoid damage.
The state government has activated its disaster response teams, deploying over 200 boats and setting up 931 relief centers in vulnerable districts. Teams are monitoring the situation around the clock to respond to emergencies, with officials stationed at key locations. Chennai and surrounding areas are under a red alert, with rainfall expected to exceed 20 cm on Wednesday.
Rail and Air Disruptions
Heavy rains have also impacted rail and air services. The Southern Railway has canceled four express trains, including the Chennai Central-Mysuru Kaveri Express. Several trains have been diverted, with their origin station moved to Avadi. Additionally, several domestic flights have been canceled at Chennai Airport.
Government Response
Chief Minister MK Stalin inspected ongoing flood relief operations and instructed officials to expedite the drainage of rainwater from flood-prone areas. He also praised the work of sanitary workers and officials managing the relief efforts.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited several lakes and the integrated command center at the Ripon Building to ensure efficient rainwater management.
The IMD has forecast more rain for the next two days due to a well-marked low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, which intensified into a depression on Tuesday evening. Extreme rainfall is expected in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts over the next 48 hours.
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