Schools in Chennai and Puducherry close today due to Cyclone Fengal: Students' holiday announcement
Due to the severe weather caused by Cyclone Fengal, all schools in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will remain closed today, November 29. The Puducherry government has announced that all schools and colleges in the region will remain shut for two days, that is, November 29 and 30. According to Home Minister A. Namassivayam, this includes government, government-aided, and private institutions. This is due to the heavy rainfall and stormy conditions that are likely to occur due to the approach of Cyclone Fengal.
As Cyclone Fengal strengthens, heavy rain and winds are expected to hit several districts in Tamil Nadu, including Villupuram, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Ramanathapuram, and Trichy. No official word has come in about school closures in these districts for November 29, but they were shut on November 28 as heavy rains lashed the districts. Schools in Puducherry, including the Karaikal region, were shut earlier this week to ensure safety during the onset of the storm.
In addition to the closing of schools, the Madras University announced that semester examinations have also been postponed. The new dates will be announced soon. Students are advised to look out for any new updates through official means.
According to reports, Cyclone Fengal is set to move ashore near the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline, between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on morning of November 30, after developing over the Southwest Bay of Bengal. It has been forecasted to become a depression in the area with wind speeds between 45-55 kmph and gusting to 65 kmph. There has been a coastal alert from the Indian Meteorological Department. Residents have been advised to avoid traveling as much as possible when it blows.
A disaster response plan has also been initiated in advance of the storm. There is advice to all fishers fishing in those places not to venture out for November 31.
As Cyclone Fengal continues to strengthen, people, including students, are instructed to pay heed to the recommendations of the local authorities and take all precautionary measures against these unfavorable weather conditions.