Normal life was disrupted in several parts of Puducherry and Karaikal on Tuesday after overnight rain inundated low-lying neighbourhoods and forced authorities to declare a holiday for all schools and colleges. The announcement followed a fresh weather alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for parts of southern Tamil Nadu.
The Union Territory acted early, with Home Minister A Namassivayam confirming that all government, government-aided and private institutions in Puducherry and Karaikal will remain closed today.
IMD warns of heavy rain in 8 Tamil Nadu districts
According to the IMD, eight districts in the southern belt – Thoothukudi, Sivaganga, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Theni – are expected to see heavy rainfall through the day as weather conditions remain unstable.
A low-pressure area that formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal on Saturday has been steadily moving northwest, pulling significant moisture towards Tamil Nadu. Meteorologists are also tracking a second low-pressure system likely to develop over the southeast Bay of Bengal on November 22, which may strengthen further within 48 hours and push more rain into the state.
Chennai is forecast to receive light to moderate rain, with moisture-laden winds continuing to sweep in from the sea.
Puducherry, Karaikal schools and colleges closed today
Authorities in Puducherry announced Tuesday’s holiday late last night as several parts of the region reported waterlogging and continuous downpour. Government teams are on alert with more rain expected through the day.
In Tamil Nadu, Cuddalore Collector CP Aditya Senthilkumar has also declared a holiday for schools after persistent rainfall in the district. Other district administrations are reviewing local conditions and will decide on school closures depending on the intensity of the rain.
Marine warning issued; fishermen advised to stay ashore
Coastal areas adjoining the Gulf of Mannar and the Kumari Sea have been placed under a marine alert. Strong winds reaching up to 55 kmph are expected, and fishermen have been cautioned not to venture into the sea until conditions improve.
Widespread rain was recorded across several southern districts on Monday. With another weather system likely to form later this week, officials have urged residents to stay tuned to updates and follow safety advisories.