Educational institutions across Chennai and neighboring districts are shut down today as Cyclone Ditwah unleashes heavy rainfall and gusty winds. The Tamil Nadu government declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Kanchipuram districts to prioritize the safety of students amidst concerns of severe weather and potential waterlogging. District authorities made this precautionary decision late Monday, following weather forecasts predicting significant precipitation. Residents are advised to stay vigilant, minimize travel, and adhere to official advisories from disaster management agencies and the state government. The cyclone’s impact has already been felt, with reports indicating three rain-related deaths in Tamil Nadu. Internationally, Sri Lanka has been severely affected, with a tragic death toll of 334 people and widespread destruction, particularly in the capital, Colombo. India has responded by dispatching 53 tons of relief supplies to Sri Lanka under ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu,’ an initiative launched on November 28 to provide crucial search, rescue, and humanitarian aid.
