Chennai: Heavy rains continued to batter parts of Tamil Nadu on Friday, prompting authorities in several districts to declare school holidays to ensure student safety. Southern districts bore the brunt of the rainfall, leading to closures in Madurai, Tiruchi, Thanjavur, and other regions.
District-Wise Announcements
- Madurai and Mayiladuthurai: District Collectors M.S. Sangeetha and A.P. Mahabharathi announced early morning holidays for schools due to heavy rains.
- Tiruchi, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Karur: Schools and colleges in these districts remain closed.
- Salem, Cuddalore, Dindigul, Theni, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga: Schools have been shut due to persistent downpours.
- Tirunelveli and Tenkasi: Both schools and colleges declared holidays following heavy rainfall last night.
- Ariyalur and Perambalur: Schools and colleges in these districts remain closed.
- Nagapattinam: Only schools are closed, while colleges continue to function.
- Virudhunagar, Tiruppur, and Valparai: Schools remain shut for the day.
Chennai and Surrounding Areas
In contrast, Chennai and its suburbs experienced only light showers, and schools and colleges remain open. The Tiruvallur Collector announced that educational institutions would function as usual, with headmasters authorized to declare holidays if water stagnation posed issues.
Tourist Activities Halted
Rainfall has also affected tourism, with Kodaikanal reporting deserted tourist spots as visitors stayed indoors amid heavy rain.
Reservoir Water Release
The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department announced the release of 1,000 cusecs from the Chembarambakkam reservoir and 500 cusecs from the Red Hills reservoir to manage inflow levels due to the ongoing rainfall.
Puducherry and Karaikal
In the Union Territory of Puducherry, Minister A. Namassivayam declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Puducherry and Karaikal due to heavy rain.