Authorities in southern India have declared school holidays on October 17, 2024, due to heavy rains affecting Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and parts of Kerala. As of October 16, these states have been experiencing severe weather conditions caused by the North-East monsoon. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple alerts, including a Red Alert for several regions.
Main Points
School Holidays Announced
- Tamil Nadu: The Tamil Nadu government has announced school holidays for districts including Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu. Schools were already closed on October 16 due to heavy rainfall. The IMD has predicted continued heavy rain for the following days, prompting authorities to keep schools closed on October 17 as well.
- Andhra Pradesh: Schools in Andhra Pradesh will remain closed until October 17. Districts such as Tirupati, Chittoor, Nellore, and Prakasam have been particularly affected. The state government has advised all educational institutions to suspend classes due to the ongoing rain and potential flooding.
- Karnataka: In Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru, schools and colleges were closed on October 16 and will also remain shut on October 17. The Bengaluru Urban District collector issued orders for the closure due to the forecast of heavy rainfall over the next few days.
- Kerala: While specific closures in Kerala were not highlighted as prominently, the state is also expected to experience heavy rainfall during this period.
Weather Conditions
The IMD has warned of very heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across these states. In particular:
- Chennai: Expected to receive significant rainfall with maximum temperatures around 28°C. The weather is predicted to be cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms.
- Bengaluru: The city has already seen substantial rainfall leading to waterlogging in various areas. The IMD forecasts similar weather conditions for the upcoming days.
Public Safety Measures
In light of these severe weather conditions:
- Local authorities are advising residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
- Relief measures are being organized for those in low-lying areas affected by flooding.
- Educational institutions are advised to keep parents informed about any changes regarding school holidays.
Impact on Daily Life
The heavy rains have disrupted normal life across these regions:
- Power outages have been reported.
- Traffic congestion due to waterlogged roads is common.
- Many residents are preparing for further downpours, which are expected over the next few days.
As the situation develops, parents and students are encouraged to stay updated through official announcements from local authorities and school administrations regarding school holidays and safety measures.
