Due to the anticipated heavy rainfall, schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts were declared closed on October 15, 2024, by order of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The Chief Minister also advised IT companies in these districts to allow employees to work from home from October 15th to 18th. This decision was made in response to a heavy rain forecast and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of students and commuters.
The Chief Minister held a meeting at the Secretariat to assess monsoon preparedness on Monday, October 14, 2024. Attendees included Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, and Director-General of Police Shankar Jiwal. The meeting underscored the government’s proactive approach to managing the potential impact of the heavy rains and ensuring public safety.
On October 13, 2024, the Tamil Nadu government issued a weather alert to District Collectors, outlining the forecast through October 17th and instructing them to implement necessary precautions to maintain order and prevent any unfortunate incidents. This proactive measure highlights the government’s commitment to disaster preparedness and public safety during the monsoon season.
The State government also outlined potential impacts in the affected districts, such as traffic disruptions, waterlogging in low-lying areas, road blockages caused by fallen trees or branches, damage to informal settlements, rising water levels in bodies of water, and landslides in hilly regions. These potential hazards necessitate the closure of schools and colleges and emphasize the importance of heeding official warnings and advisories.
