Authorities closed all schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Kanchipuram on December 2. District collectors announced the decision late on Monday. They acted after fresh weather alerts warned of intense rain.

Officials said they took the step to protect students from danger. Waterlogging and poor road conditions raised safety concerns. The administration also urged residents to stay cautious. People were asked to avoid unnecessary travel and follow instructions from disaster management teams.

Three people die due to rain-related incidents

Cyclone Ditwah caused serious damage across parts of Tamil Nadu. Three people lost their lives in rain-related incidents. State Disaster Management Minister K K S S R Ramachandran confirmed the deaths on Sunday.

Heavy rain submerges roads in Chennai

On Monday, steady rain continued in Chennai and nearby districts. Water covered roads, highways, and low-lying areas. Several residential localities also faced flooding.

In Velachery, water marooned AGS Colony. A car sank in standing water. In Poonamallee, sudden flooding stranded a government bus. Traffic slowed in many areas, including near the Kathipara flyover. An official said sudden inflow and potholes on the service road may have caused the car to sink.

The weather office warned that heavy to very heavy rain could continue in Chennai and Tiruvallur till Tuesday morning. Officials said the remnants of Cyclone Ditwah remained close to the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast.

MK Stalin orders compensation and support

Chief Minister M K Stalin announced immediate compensation from the State Disaster Response Fund. The aid will cover crop losses, including paddy. It will also cover the loss of human lives, livestock, and damaged houses during the northeast monsoon that began in October.

"I am directly monitoring the work to drain rainwater in all the flood-affected areas. Our government will provide all basic facilities to the people staying in the relief camps for as long as needed and will protect them," he said in a post on ‘X.’

Relief and drainage work intensifies

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inspected the relief operations. He was joined by Minister P K Sekar Babu, Chennai Mayor R Priya, and senior officials. They reviewed the work at the Greater Chennai Corporation’s Integrated Command and Control Centre.

Officials said quick action kept all 22 subways in Chennai free from stagnant water. Authorities also set up special medical camps in Corporation areas. Teams used heavy-duty motor pumps and “super sucker trucks” to drain water. In total, 1,496 motor pumps stayed on standby. Around 22,000 personnel, including engineers and field workers, carried out relief work.

Flood warning issued for major rivers

Officials issued a flood alert for key rivers. They expect significant inflows in the Adyar, Kosasthalaiyar, and Araniar. These rivers pass through Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chennai districts. Authorities asked people in nearby areas to stay alert and follow safety instructions.