Chennai schools and colleges shut as Cyclone Murasu nears Andhra coast
District collectors announced holidays for educational institutions in Chennai and Tiruvallur on Monday due to expected heavy rainfall.
Schools and colleges in Chennai and Tiruvallur will remain closed on Monday, November 2, as Cyclone Murasu approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast, according to reports from The Hindu and The Federal.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the system intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. The storm is expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur between 11.30 pm on November 2 and 4 am on November 3.
The IMD forecast wind speeds at landfall of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued an orange alert for Chennai and Tiruvallur, warning of very heavy rainfall of 12-20 cm in 24 hours on Monday.
Yellow alerts for heavy rain have been issued for Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Vellore, and the Nilgiris. Rainfall is expected to taper off on November 3, though heavy rain may continue in isolated places in the Nilgiris.
The Revenue Administration and Disaster Management Department directed district collectors across Tamil Nadu to remain on high alert. The Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Revenue Administration has instructed collectors to mobilise administrative machinery and follow standard operating procedures for disaster management.