Tamil Nadu has been grappling with continuous heavy rainfall for the past week, leading to the closure of schools and colleges in several districts.
Thoothukudi district declared a holiday on December 22, 2023, due to the incessant rains, as confirmed by the District Collector. Meanwhile, Tirunelveli district had already shut down all schools on December 21 due to a flood-like situation, although colleges were initially expected to remain open unless utilized as relief camps.
Earlier, the
Tamil Nadu government had declared holidays on December 4-5 for certain districts and on December 6 for Chennai, Chengalpattu, Thiruvallur, and Kancheepuram districts due to the impact of cyclone Michaung.
The
Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a 'Red' alert on Monday for Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari districts, prompting the closure of all schools in the Thoothukudi district on December 22 due to heavy rains, as reported by ANI.
The downpour has led to rivers, lakes, and ponds around Kovilpatti to reach their full capacity. Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Thenkasi, and Kanyakumari districts have been severely affected, with widespread flooding in many areas.
NDRF teams are using boats for rescue operations in Srivaikundam, one of the rain-affected areas. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has directed party cadres from the affected districts to actively participate in ongoing relief efforts.
The weather department has issued warnings about heavy to very heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions in several districts, including Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Dindul, Theni, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari.
Correspondingly, Anna University has postponed semester exams in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Tuticorin districts due to unavoidable circumstances.
