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Heavy Rains Schools and Colleges Closed TN
Heavy Rains: Schools and Colleges Closed
Holiday Declared for Educational Institutions
Chennai: Due to heavy rainfall warnings, all schools and colleges in Chennai and nearby districts have been declared closed on Tuesday. The announcement was made by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin after a monsoon preparedness meeting held at the Secretariat on Monday. The closure applies to Chennai and the surrounding districts of Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu, following a red alert issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC).
Weather Warning Prompts Precautionary Measures
The RMC has forecasted very heavy rains for these districts on October 15 and 16, prompting the government to take precautionary actions to ensure public safety. In addition to closing educational institutions, the Chief Minister has advised IT companies in Chennai and adjoining districts to adopt a work-from-home arrangement for their employees over these two days. This move is aimed at minimizing travel and ensuring the safety of employees amid the heavy rain warnings.
Deployment of Relief Forces and Resources
The Tamil Nadu government is also focusing on disaster preparedness in flood-prone areas. The Chief Minister has instructed the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to be on high alert and deploy sufficient personnel and equipment to affected areas. Additionally, boats are being positioned in flood-prone regions ahead of the rains, allowing for immediate action in case of severe flooding.
Coordination with District Administrations
M.K. Stalin emphasized the importance of effective coordination between officials and district administrations for seamless flood relief operations. The Chief Minister stressed that the safety of citizens is the top priority, urging district officials to maintain regular communication with local authorities to respond swiftly to any emergencies caused by the rains.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced that Tamil Nadu schools will be closed on Tuesday, October 15th owing to the meteorological department’s alert. In post on X, TN CM wrote (origianally in Tamil), “Don’t believe the fake news shared on social media. Follow the guidelines given by the government. Follow proper precautions given by government officials.”
Additional notices were attached in the tweet which confirmed that schools have been shut on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 in four districts of Tamil Nadu, namely, Chennai, Chengalpet, Thiruvallur, and Kancheepuram.
Alerts Issued Across Tamil Nadu
The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a red alert for Chennai and the districts of Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram for October 15 and 16. Meanwhile, orange and yellow alerts have been issued for other districts such as Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Vellore, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore. In these areas, residents are advised to remain cautious and follow safety instructions. The rest of Tamil Nadu, including parts of northern and southern districts, is likely to experience light to moderate rainfall.
Deputy CM Reviews Monsoon Preparedness
To ensure that Chennai is ready to face the heavy rainfall, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited the Integrated Command Control Centre (ICCC) at Ripon Building in Chennai. The ICCC is tasked with monitoring monsoon-related challenges, such as waterlogging and flooding within Chennai Corporation limits. The center will serve as a hub for receiving flood alerts and reports, ensuring a coordinated response to emergencies.
Emergency Helpline for Citizens
As the region braces for heavy rains, the ICCC has activated its helpline number, 1913, for residents to report waterlogging, flooding, or other rain-related issues. This initiative aims to provide timely assistance to those in need and ensure a smooth flow of information between citizens and emergency response teams.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information available at the time of writing and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to follow official announcements from the Tamil Nadu government and weather authorities for updates on heavy rains in Tamil Nadu.
