NEW DELHI: Schools in Chennai and other districts of Tamil Nadu would stay closed owing to Cyclone Mandous' heavy rains and unfavourable weather conditions. According to reports, 23 districts have declared a holiday for schools and colleges; as a result, classes will not be held in the following cities: Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Vellore, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Pudukkottai, Salem, Namakkal, Tirupattur.
Heavy rains are predicted by the IMD to fall in Chennai and other parts of the state on December 9 as a result of the cyclone. Kancheepuram, Chengalpatta, and Villupuram districts were placed under a red alert by the IMD. In the Kancheepuram, Chengalpatta, and Villupuram districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, it was predicted that there would be "heavy to very heavy rain at a few spots with exceptionally severe falls at one or two sites."
Along with the districts of Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupattur, and Thiruvannamalai, Chennai will experience very heavy rain. Up until Saturday, December 10, areas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry could experience heavy rainfall as a result of the cyclone.
According to the IMD, Cyclone Mandous (pronounce "Man-Dous' ') is located around 320 kilometers south-southeast of Chennai and about 240 km east-southeast of Karaikal. Up until midday, it's likely to maintain its intensity as a severe cyclonic storm before waning into one. Between midnight and early Saturday morning (December 10), it will continue to move west-northwestward and cross the coast between Puducherry and Sriharikota, close to Mahabalipuram, with winds of 65-75 kph with gusts up to 85 kph. Over the next two days, Chennai and other districts in Tamil Nadu are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall as a result of this system.
Authorities have been alert and taking precautions in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh in preparation for the storm. Also sent out is the National Disaster Relief Force. In Chennai, 805 motor pumps have been prepared by the local authority to drain standing water from low-lying areas, and 169 relief camps have been set up. Rescue boats should be at the ready thanks to the community of fishermen volunteers.
Also watch: