Due to the anticipated heavy rainfall, schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts were declared closed on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin directed authorities to make this declaration on Monday, October 14, 2024, in response to the severe weather forecast.
The Chief Minister also advised that IT companies in these districts allow their employees to work remotely from October 15 to 18. This advisory was issued to minimize disruption and ensure the safety of employees during the heavy rain.
To assess monsoon preparedness, Mr. Stalin conducted a meeting at the Secretariat on Monday. Attendees included Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, and Director-General of Police Shankar Jiwal. The meeting aimed to coordinate efforts and ensure effective response measures were in place.
On Sunday, October 13, 2024, the Tamil Nadu government issued an alert to District Collectors regarding the weather forecast through October 17. This alert emphasized the need for precautionary measures and maintaining law and order to prevent any unforeseen incidents related to the heavy rainfall.
The State government also outlined potential impacts in the affected districts, including 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 predictions allowed for proactive measures to mitigate potential risks.
The heavy rain forecast prompted a holiday declaration for schools and colleges in Chennai and surrounding districts, raising the question, “Is today a holiday in Chennai?” The answer, for October 15, 2024, was yes. The holiday was implemented to ensure the safety of students and staff during the inclement weather.
