Chennai and several other districts in Tamil Nadu are observing a holiday for schools and colleges today, December 1, 2025, in response to the heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. The Tamil Nadu government made the decision to close all educational institutions, including government, private, and aided schools, as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall. The alert is in effect for Tiruvallur, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Karaikal. A yellow alert, predicting isolated heavy rainfall, has been issued for Villuppuram, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari.
Cyclone Ditwah, which had weakened into a deep depression, was centered over the southwest Bay of Bengal. According to the IMD, the system was located approximately 50 km east of Chennai, 140 km northeast of Puducherry, 160 km north-northeast of Cuddalore, and 170 km south-southeast of Nellore. The storm is expected to move northwards, parallel to the north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts. The IMD has predicted that the deep depression will weaken further in the coming hours.
The persistent rainfall has resulted in waterlogging in many parts of Chennai, slowing down traffic and disrupting normal life. Chennai experienced strong winds, heavy downpours, and high tidal activity. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai forecasts heavy to very heavy rain in Tiruvallur and Chennai districts until Tuesday morning.
In addition to the school closures, Anna University and the University of Madras have postponed their semester examinations scheduled in the affected districts. The universities cited safety concerns for students and staff as the primary reason for the delay and will announce revised dates later.
Neighboring Puducherry has also declared a holiday for all schools, both government and private, in its four regions. Education Minister A Namassivayam announced the closure as a precautionary measure in anticipation of heavy rainfall.
Cyclone Ditwah has already caused significant damage and loss of life in Sri Lanka, with over 390 deaths reported due to heavy flooding and landslides. The storm triggered some of the most severe flooding the country has seen in decades.
Residents are advised to stay indoors when possible and monitor local weather updates. Disaster management teams and local bodies have been directed to clear waterlogging promptly and provide emergency support. Essential services will continue to operate.
