Rain Lashes Tamil Nadu, Nilgiris Shuts Schools in Six Taluks

Chennai, October 24: Heavy and persistent rain across Tamil Nadu has prompted officials to close schools in six taluks of the Nilgiris district for Saturday.

Lakshmi Bhavya, the district Collector, issued the order covering all schools in Udhagamandalam, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Kundah, Gudalur and Pandalur taluks. The closure was announced because of ongoing rainfall in these localities.

Across the border in Coimbatore district, the Collector declared a holiday for every type of school. Managements were also told that no special classes should be conducted on Saturday.

The directive was issued amid a forecast of heavy rain. Students should not be called to school for additional studies, the instruction says. It applies to all schools in the district without exception.

Roads in the western districts and several central and southern regions have been flooded by the downpour, and in some places movement has been affected.

Meteorological information in the report shows a low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. Forecasters have said it may become a cyclone and move toward the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha coast, while Tamil Nadu is likely to receive heavy rain.

Pudukottai's towns endured more than half an hour of intense rain, which altered the weather and brought a chill. Tiruchirappalli city and its outskirts were also hit hard. Several roads became waterlogged, slowing traffic and making travel difficult for motorists.

Steady rain forced people across the region to walk through flooded paths. Thanjavur, after a sunny morning, received sudden rain in the evening. The downpour brought considerable comfort to farmers, as it should help recharge groundwater.

Rain fell in various parts of Karur Corporation, bringing a cooler feel. Rainwater accumulation on roads in Pallapatti, however, created trouble for residents and drivers.

Andipatti, Bodinayakanur, Periyakulam and Cumbum in Theni district recorded good rainfall. A dense fog blanketed the Bodimettu hill road, making it nearly impossible to see ahead.

The Nilgiris and Coimbatore, among other western areas, saw rain as well, which led to several school-related decisions. The Nilgiris order specifically mentioned six taluks, while the Coimbatore announcement clearly prohibited special classes during the holidays.