Cyclone Ditwah Remnant Hammers Chennai; Schools and Colleges to Remain Closed on Wednesday

Introduction

Chennai woke up to another day of relentless rain on Tuesday as the remnant of Cyclone Ditwah continued to unleash heavy showers across the city. Although the system weakened into a deep depression after crossing the Tamil Nadu coast, its trailing rain bands remain powerful enough to cause major disruption.

Several neighbourhoods, including Velachery, Mudichur, Tambaram, T Nagar, and parts of North Chennai, reported sudden waterlogging as the rain intensified through the day. Commuters found themselves navigating knee-deep water in many stretches, while traffic moved slowly due to flooded roads and poor visibility.

The city corporation deployed additional machinery to clear clogged drains and shifted pumps to areas that saw rapid water accumulation. Residents were advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.

Schools and Colleges Closed in Chennai and Nearby Districts

Considering the safety of students and the worsening weather conditions, the Tamil Nadu government announced that all schools and colleges in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram will be closed on Wednesday. District authorities said the decision would help ease traffic, reduce risks, and allow civic teams to continue relief work without disturbance.

The holiday may extend if the rain intensifies, but officials said that a fresh review would be carried out based on Wednesday morning’s situation.

What the Weather Department Says

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai, the deep depression is expected to move further inland but will continue to generate heavy to very heavy rainfall across northern coastal Tamil Nadu. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds are likely in isolated areas.

The system may weaken further, but the rainfall is expected to continue for the next 24 hours, especially in Chennai and its suburbs.

Administration on High Alert

Disaster response teams, including the NDRF and local rescue units, remain on standby. Electricity was temporarily cut in certain waterlogged areas to prevent accidents. Pumping stations have been activated to bring down water levels where possible.

Officials said reservoirs around the city are also being monitored closely to avoid overflow emergencies, especially in areas that faced severe flooding in past monsoon seasons.

Residents Urged to Stay Cautious

Authorities have urged people to avoid travelling in flooded zones, stay away from open drains, and follow updates from the district administrations. Fishermen have been advised to stay off the coast due to rough sea conditions.

A Familiar Challenge for Chennai

Even though Cyclone Ditwah is no longer a major storm, its remnant has highlighted Chennai’s recurring monsoon challenge — intense rain overwhelming the city’s drainage system. With more rain predicted, officials are preparing for continued relief efforts through the night.

As the city braces for another wet day on Wednesday, the primary focus remains on safety, quick response, and minimising disruption to daily life.