CHENNAI – Streets fell silent and classrooms remained empty across Chennai and its neighboring districts of Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram on December 2, 2025, as Cyclone Ditwah, a deadly tropical storm, unleashed its fury upon Southern India and Sri Lanka. The government mandated a widespread Tamil Nadu school closure, shutting down educational institutions as a critical precautionary measure against the torrential downpour and potential flooding. The decision, officially announced by the Chennai district collector, came in direct response to a dire Chennai weather alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which forecasted severe weather conditions for the region.
The Cyclone Ditwah impact was swift and severe, crippling daily life and causing extensive disruption. The storm, which was the fourth cyclonic storm of the 2025 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, had already left a trail of destruction in Sri Lanka, where it was responsible for more than 390 deaths. As it moved towards the Indian coast, authorities in Tamil Nadu issued a red alert and a significant Tamil Nadu flood warning, bracing for the worst. The cyclone’s force was felt acutely in travel and transport sectors. Chennai International Airport faced a near-total shutdown, with official figures reporting that 83 flights were canceled, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The widespread Chennai flight cancellations were mirrored on the ground, as regional rail services were also temporarily suspended to ensure public safety, effectively isolating the city as it weathered the storm.
The human cost of the cyclone in Tamil Nadu mounted as the storm made landfall. Reports confirmed multiple fatalities from rain-related incidents, including tragic deaths from wall collapses and electrocution. The destructive power of the Cyclone Ditwah rains also extended to livestock, with numerous cattle perishing in the floods. The relentless downpour turned roads into rivers and low-lying areas into lakes, trapping residents in their homes and creating a perilous situation for vulnerable communities.
In response to the escalating crisis, authorities launched extensive disaster rescue operations. Teams from the Indian Air Force and the Sri Lankan Air Force were deployed in a coordinated effort, using helicopters to airlift stranded individuals from heavily flooded and inaccessible areas. These rescue missions were vital in moving people to safer locations and providing emergency aid. The sight of military helicopters hovering over submerged landscapes became a symbol of both the storm’s destructive power and the determined human response to mitigate its effects.
By December 1, Cyclone Ditwah had weakened into a deep depression as it hovered near the Chennai coast. However, the downgrade in its status offered little immediate relief. The IMD continued to issue warnings for residual heavy to very heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh. The lingering threat of the Cyclone Ditwah rains meant that authorities had to remain on high alert. The preemptive measures, particularly the Tamil Nadu school closure, were widely seen as a crucial decision that likely prevented further casualties by keeping children and faculty safely at home.
The overall Cyclone Ditwah impact serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events during the annual North Indian Ocean cyclone season. While the storm has dissipated, the recovery process for thousands affected by the flooding and disruption is just beginning. The coordinated efforts, from the initial Chennai weather alert to the complex disaster rescue operations, highlight the importance of preparedness in the face of nature’s overwhelming force. The empty schools and grounded flights on that Tuesday in December will be remembered as a day when a city paused to protect its people from a devastating storm.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclone_Ditwah
- https://www.visahq.com/news/2025-12-01/in/cyclone-ditwah-disrupts-south-india-travel-flights-gradually-resume-as-storm-weakens/
- https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/cyclone-ditwah-schools-colleges-to-remain-shut-today-in-chennai-other-districts-9733831
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cyclone-ditwah-tracker-live-updates-tamil-nadu-chennai-weather-rain-andhra-pradesh-sri-lanka-101764550865450.html
- https://economictimes.com/news/new-updates/chennai-school-holiday-on-december-2-schools-in-tamil-nadu-to-remain-shut-today-after-cyclone-ditwah-brings-heavy-rainfall-check-details/articleshow/125707282.cms
