Chennai and Tiruvallur district authorities have declared a holiday for all schools and colleges on Thursday as the city continues to be hit by persistent heavy rainfall. The downpour, triggered by the remnants of Cyclone Ditwah, has caused widespread waterlogging in several neighbourhoods, especially in low-lying parts of South Chennai.
Residents have been asked to remain cautious, as many areas have reported ankle-deep to knee-deep water. City corporation teams have been working through the night, using motor pumps to clear stagnant water and keep major roads usable.
IMD Warns of More Rain for Coastal Districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram districts until Thursday afternoon.
The weather system, which earlier intensified into Cyclone Ditwah over the southwest Bay of Bengal, has now weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area. However, despite this weakening, it continues to push moisture inland, leading to intense spells of rain in many coastal and interior districts.
Areas such as Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Tiruvannamalai have also been receiving repeated bursts of rainfall, with short breaks in between. Officials are monitoring river levels and flood-prone zones to avoid any sudden emergencies.
University of Madras Postpones Exams
The continuous rainfall has also affected academic schedules. The University of Madras announced that all UG, PG, and professional degree theory exams scheduled for Wednesday have been postponed.
Registrar Prof. Rita John said new dates will be shared soon, and students are advised to check official university notifications for updates.
So far, there is no clarity on whether Thursday’s exams will also be postponed.
Daily Life and Transport Impacted
The heavy rain has slowed down traffic on several arterial roads, with waterlogged stretches causing long delays during peak hours. Public movement has been affected, and many small traders and daily-wage workers have struggled to carry out business activities.
Authorities have asked people to avoid venturing into heavily flooded areas and follow safety instructions from local administration teams.
Karthigai Deepam Rituals Continue in Tiruvannamalai
Despite the wet weather, cultural traditions have gone ahead as planned. At Tiruvannamalai’s Arunachaleshwarar Temple, the rituals for the annual Karthigai Deepam festival took place early Thursday morning.
Priests lit the Bharani Deepam inside the sanctum, and devotees arrived in large numbers, showing how deeply the festival is rooted in the region’s spiritual life even in the middle of heavy rain.
