Chennai schools to remain closed today as Cyclone Ditwah remnant batters Tamil Nadu

Chennai rain

Authorities in Chennai and neighbouring Tiruvallur have announced that all schools and colleges will remain closed on Thursday due to continuous heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. The decision was taken to ensure the safety of students as several parts of the city and nearby districts have been affected by flooding over the past few days.

Many low-lying areas in south Chennai continue to face waterlogging, making daily movement difficult for residents. The Greater Chennai Corporation has deployed water pumps in several neighbourhoods to clear stagnant water and restore normal road access.

Officials have urged people to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary and to remain cautious while travelling through flooded streets.

This is the third consecutive day of heavy rainfall this week, although some regions of Tamil Nadu have been receiving rain since last week. The persistent showers have affected local businesses, especially small traders, and have disrupted normal life.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the depression left behind by Cyclone Ditwah in the southwest Bay of Bengal weakened into a low-pressure area over north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Despite weakening, the weather system is still strong enough to bring very heavy rain to parts of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram districts till early Thursday afternoon.

Fishing activities suspended along coast

As a precautionary measure, authorities have suspended all fishing activities in the southwest and west-central Bay of Bengal. This includes the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south coastal Andhra Pradesh, as well as the Gulf of Mannar and the Comorin region. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until further instructions are issued.

Weather officials continue to monitor the situation closely and are expected to provide fresh updates based on the movement and intensity of the rain system.

Farmers report major crop loss

The heavy rains brought by Cyclone Ditwah have caused large-scale damage to agricultural land in several parts of Tamil Nadu. AIADMK MP I S Inbadurai raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha, stating that thousands of acres of farmland are under water, especially in the delta region.

Crops such as paddy, banana, sugarcane and betel have been severely affected. In districts like Tirunelveli, Tenkashi and Ramanathapuram, large stretches of paddy fields are still submerged, putting farming families at risk of major financial loss.

The MP urged the Centre to send an assessment team and provide immediate relief to farmers. He also pointed out that steps such as cleaning canals and ponds before the monsoon could have helped reduce the damage. According to him, a proper survey of crop loss and timely compensation to farmers has still not been carried out.