Cyclone Ditwah's Aftermath: Chennai Braces for Heavy Rain, Flight Cancellations, and School Closures

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Chennai is on high alert as the remnants of Cyclone Ditwah bring heavy rainfall to the city. The Chennai airport has cancelled 18 domestic flights due to the severe weather conditions, while schools and colleges remain closed. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the depression, which formed from the cyclone, has moved slowly southwards, bringing extremely heavy rainfall to parts of the city. Ennore recorded 260 mm of rainfall, while Parrys and Ice House received 250 mm and 220 mm of rain, respectively. The Greater Chennai Corporation has deployed 107 boats to rescue civilians in low-lying areas and provide shelter in relief centers if needed. The city is on an orange alert, with several arterial roads and subways affected, causing traffic disruptions. Officials have been seen wading through ankle-deep water to inspect localities. The IMD has forecast that the depression will weaken into a Well-marked low-pressure area within the next 12 hours. In preparation, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have deployed 350 personnel in the city. The Greater Chennai Corporation has also readied 1,496 motor pumps to discharge rainwater from rainwater harvesting areas in 15 zones. The Greater Chennai police have reported that 48 trees had fallen across the city on December 1, which have been removed, and 10 people were rescued from low-lying areas and brought to civic shelters. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on flight cancellations. The Chennai airport has posted the list of cancelled flights on social media, and officials are urging citizens to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this time.